Coriander - also Cilantro
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| Coriand er |
Coriander and Cilantro are the same
plant - the Latin name is coriandrum
sativum, with one of the most
popular strains being coriandrum
sativum 'L', for leisure.
The plants grows up to 2'8" and
flowers in June and July.
As near as I can tell, the practical
difference is that the term cilantro
refers to the plants leaves, and the
term coriander refers to the seeds,
which are usually ground.
The plant is a native of southern
Europe and the Middle East,
Coriander has been cultivated for
over three thousand years. It much
prefers a warm climate, so it should
grow well in the south though it does
not particularly like a lot of humidity.
plant - the Latin name is coriandrum
sativum, with one of the most
popular strains being coriandrum
sativum 'L', for leisure.
The plants grows up to 2'8" and
flowers in June and July.
As near as I can tell, the practical
difference is that the term cilantro
refers to the plants leaves, and the
term coriander refers to the seeds,
which are usually ground.
The plant is a native of southern
Europe and the Middle East,
Coriander has been cultivated for
over three thousand years. It much
prefers a warm climate, so it should
grow well in the south though it does
not particularly like a lot of humidity.
| Cultivation Coriander grows best in well drained soil - it likes lots of sun, and likes dry climates best. In fact, if a climate is to humid it is hard to get a good crop out of the plant. I am going to try some this year and see how they do here in NC. Plant when there is no danger of frost, and start the seeds, if you are starting from seeds, outdoors - they do not transplant well as seedlings! If leaves are your goal, plant the plants close together - 2 to 3 inches, and the leaves will be much more prominent. For higher seed production, plant the plants further apart, about 9" to 12". The leaves have a distinct flavor - they are delicious in salads, sauces and as a garnish. The seeds have uses as whole and ground, and some recipes highlighting Coriander and Cilantro will be added in the next few days. The plant may need to be staked as it will weaken as the seeds ripen, so keep an eye on them and have some stakes and green tape ready. When ripe the seeds have a distinct orangey scent, but the entire plant can be used. Young leaves should be picked when about four inches in length and bright green. The fruits/seeds can usually be gathered from august to September, and a second crop should be able to be planted if it grows well in your part of the south. Watch the seed heads carefully, as they can fall quickly - cut the flower stems when the smell of the seeds starts to become pleasant, cover bunches of about six heads together in a bag. Tie the top and hang it upside down in a dry, airy place, nice and warm as well! After ten days the seeds should come away from th husk easily - store in a n airtight container - coriander usually stores wonderfully. |
| Coriander and cilantro have been used as spices in many dishes in many styles of food; it contains essential oils, and the herb has been used as a medicinal for various things including as an antiseptic, some gastrointestinal problems and neuralgia and joint pain (these last two are from the essential oils, but it has been used to make poultices as well as the oils). The herb is mentioned in the bible, and used to be used heavily in breads, as a preservative for vegetables and meats, and liqueurs. |