cilantro

     

Corianer, Coriandrum sativum is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. The name 'coriander' in a culinary context may refer to either the seeds of the plant (used as a spice), or to its leaves (used as a herb); however, in North American countries, for example, the name Cilantro is given to the leaves. Coriander is native to southwestern Asia and west to north Africa. It is a soft, hairless plant growing to 50 cm [20 in.] tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, and with the petals that point away from the centre of the umbel being longer (5-6 mm) than those pointing to the middle of the umbel (only 1-3 mm long). The fruit is a globular dry schizocarp 3-5 mm diameter.

Trivia about cilantro

  • This herb is also known as Chinese parsley or coriander
  • Also called Chinese parsley, this flat-leafed, long-stemmed herb can be used as a seasoning agent or as a garnish
  • This herb is also called coriander & Chinese parsley
  • Also called Chinese parsley, it's a welcome addition to rice or salsa when chopped
  • Chopped coriander leaves popular in salsas are also known by this Spanish name
  • The herb also called Chinese parsley or fresh coriander is called this in Mexican cooking
  • The leaf of a young coriander plant, it's added to sour cream to make a topping for tacos