Cilantro
an Herb
Origin
Cilantro is native to regions spanning from Southern Europe and North Africa to Southwestern Asia.
Botanical Information
Cilantro is a herb from the Apiacaea/Umbelliferae or carrot family. It has a strong scent with a smooth texture on the leaves. Usually comes with five to ten rays. It is also a spice because of the Coriander seeds found on Cilantro plants.
Common Culinary Uses
Cilantro is a common herb used in many Mexican dishes such tortillas, soups, salsas and chipotle because of the fresh and mellow flavor it adds to the spicy food. Coriander seeds are common in chili and curry dishes. The seeds give a spicy citrus flavor to the dish. Cilantro tastes best fresh over dried.
Health Benefits
- Detoxes the body
- Improves sleep quality
- Strong antioxidant
- Anti-anxiety effects
Interesting Facts
- Cilantro has been around since biblical times, and is also noted in the bible.
- Cilantro was brought to English colonies in 1670.
- The whole plant is edible from the leaves all the way to the root.
- Cilantro can be grown from the Coriander seeds in your pantry.