(Coriandum sativum)
The Basics:
Also referred to as coriander leaves and Chinese parsley, cilantro is the lacy, light green foliage of the coriander seed, which is often crushed and used as a spice in stews, marinades, and even baked goods. With a taste that is both earthy and tart, cilantro adds its fresh, clean flavor to cuisines from all around the globe, almost one-upping the very seeds it springs from.
Planting Instructions:
In early spring, sow coriander seeds directly into light, slightly basic soil, about twelve inches apart. Because cilantro is so delicate, seeds should be planted in a sunny but not overly windy area and should be covered with only a half inch of soil to allow shoots to surface easily. Seeds should be watered regularly so that the soil stays moist, and seedlings should be thinned as needed. Cilantro can be harvested as soon as stalks reach five inches in height.
Fun Facts:
Some people find the taste of cilantro to be soapy and off-putting, and according to Dr. Charles J. Wysocki, there may be a reason why—some people may be genetically predisposed to dislike the taste of cilantro. If you happen to be one of those unlucky few who find cilantro to be just a little bit distasteful, don’t give up. Using cilantro in cooked or blended dishes, instead of as a fresh garnish, masks its scent, which researchers think may be the main source of the aversion.
Nutritional Properties:
In ancient China, coriander seeds were thought to be the secret to immortality. While coriander seeds may not actually make you live forever, cilantro leaves are high in manganese, which is important for healthy liver and kidney functioning.
How to Use:
Cilantro is wonderful in guacamole; delicious as an alternative to basil in pesto; and the perfect, light and refreshing garnish for a bowl of hot and spicy curry. Cilantro is also an essential element in fresh salsas. Quickly dicing up tomatoes, jalapenos, and red onion, chopping up some cilantro, and then tossing them together with some lime juice and salt, makes a mouth-watering pico de gallo that is ready for chip-dipping in no time.
