Herb/Spice – Coriander
Coriander – Cilantro
Coriander leaves are called cilantro. The coriander plant is a rigid, strong smelling annual with a pronounced taproot and slender stems up to 2 feet. It features ferny pinnate leaves, rounded and parsley-like at base, umbels of small white or pink flowers formed in midsummer, followed by round red-brown seed capsules that are very aromatic when ripe.
Image by Kate's Photo Diary via Flickr
Uses
- Image via Wikipedia
- Image via Wikipedia
It is one of the oldest recorded spices, mentioned in the bible as one of the bitter Passover herbs. The leaves and shoots are added to salads, soups and stews, especially in India, South America and China (the leaf is sometimes known as Chinese parsley). The seeds are a stimulant and digestive, often ground and included in curries and regional meat dishes. The seeds yield an essential oil for soaps and perfumes. The root supplies a stronger flavor and is cooked as a vegetable in South-East Asia.
Mira commented – In India, sugar coated Fennel seeds are used as breath freshers, not Coriander seeds. Sugar coated coriander seeds is an Italian specialty.
Cilantro-Lime Dressing Recipe
This recipe comes from allrecipes.com by Lin. I found it to be fresh tasting, delightful on barbecued chicken served on a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1/4 cup lime juice
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Place the jalapeno pepper, garlic and ginger into a blender and pulse until the jalapeno pepper and garlic are finely chopped. Pour in the lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar and salt, add the cilantro pulse a few times to blend. Turn the food processor on ans slowly drizzle in the olive oil until incorporated into the dressing. Season to taste with both salt and sugar before serving.
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Did you know that chewing on Cilantro leaves is one of the best ways to freshen your breath. Do you have hints on how to grow this herb indoors?
Homemade Salsa is just not the same without it! Although if you use too much it can be overpowering.
Sugar coated coriander seeds are sold as a breath freshener in India. The seeds have a nutty, and orange or lemon-like flavor with floral undertones.
In India, sugar coated Fennel seeds are used as breath freshers, not Coriander seeds. Sugar coated coriander seeds is an Italian specialty,