One of my favourite herbs that I’m growing is coriander (cilantro). (Scroll to the bottom for some great videos showing how to grow this herb and also for some tasty recipes).
What is coriander? Well, there’s a picture on the right together with carrots which it seems to be stuck with!
It’s an annual herb that is native to Southern Europe and North Africa, but can also be found in South West Asia. It grows to a height of 20 inches and has white or pale pink flowers.
The seeds should be sown about 4cm apart and 1cm deep. Germination usually takes up to three weeks.
I know the herb as coriander, but in the States the leaves are called cilantro. Another name is Chinese Parsley. In Russia, the fresh leaves are often found in salads (I love them too!) and coriander also finds its way into Mexican dishes such as guacamole and salsa.
The fruit (seeds) are known as dhania in India and they have a lemony (slightly nitty and spicy) flavour when crushed. If using the seeds, take care to use them quickly as they soon lose their flavour. In fact, the seeds are part of the garam masala spice mix and often used in curries.
The herb’s roots have a stronger taste and are used in Thai cuisine (soups and curry pastes).
If you have a cold, coriander seeds can be boiled in water and drunk as a remedy. They have lots of antioxidants and have been used in the treatment of diabetes.
Other uses for the herb include pickling vegetables, making sausages and rye bread. In Belgium, they use it to brew wheat beer (adding a little orange peel also gives the beer a citrus taste).
Coriander also infamously appears as the star in carrot and coriander soup!
The Romans brought the herb into Britain where they used it to preserve meat. But we can go even further back – eight thousand years to a cave in Israel (Nahal Hemar) where coriander fruits have been found!
My coriander is growing in pots and it prefers well-drained soil and a sunny spot. It also doesn’t like being moved.
I pick the mature leaves as and when I need them and regular picking delays the flowering of the herb.
Finally, here’s a few videos to get your taste buds tingling!
Growing Cilantro
How To Store Cilantro (Coriander)
How To Keep Cilantro Fresh
Carrot And Coriander Soup
Savoury Cilantro Rice
Now get growing some coriander/cilantro!
Alan
