Coriander (seed) or cilantro (plant) is known as Coriandrum sativum, a plant in the parsley family. The seed is globular and almost round, brown to yellow red, and 1/5 in(20mm) in diameter with alternating straight and wavy ridges. Coriander is an annual and grows to 28in(70cm).

Parts Used- Leaves, seeds, and essential oils

Ideal Growing Conditions- Sunny location, with light fertile soil. Coriander benefits from cloche or hoop house protection in cool climates

Cultivation- Sow from spring to autumn for a continuous supply of leaves. The plant goes to seed quickly in hot weather. Add a medium fertility soil improver before sowing. Pick leaves regularly for use or leave to flower for seed production.

Uses- Mince the leaves, seeds or roots to use as flavoring for dishes. The leaves taste like a combination of sage and citrus. The seeds have a sweeter citrus flavor without the sharpness of sage. The roots are similar to the leaves but also have a nutty flavor.

Spice beets, onions, potatoes, sausage, clams and oysters with coriander. Coriander can also be used in guacamole, hot sauce and chili sauce. Heat reduces the flavor of coriander, so use it towards the end of cooking. Coriander is commonly used in Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Latin American cooking.

 

Use coriander in the garden alongside vegetables, flowers or other herbs. Even if you do not want to use the coriander, it attracts useful insects to your garden, including bees.

Coriander can be used to ease digestive problems. It is also chewed as a way to eliminate bad breath. Some cultures consider it an aphrodisiac. In China it is also used to alleviate unpleasant odors in the genital areas of both men and women.

Coriander essential oils can be used externally to treat rheumatic pain. Leaves can be ingested to sooth digestion. Coriander seeds can be ground into a pasteto be used on skin or in the mouth for odor relief. An infusion of 2 tsp dried seeds in 250 mL (1 cup) of water can be taken once a day for digestive relief. The essential oil of coriander should not be taken internally.