Cilantro vs Coriander: Can You Guess the Real Difference?

🌿 What is Cilantro?

Cilantro is the fresh, leafy herb derived from the coriander plant. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander. It's also known by different names like Chinese parsley, Mexican parsley, and Dhania in Hindi.

It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is an annual herb. Cilantro is widely used in many cuisines, such as Mexican, Thai, and Indian.

It has a fragrant and crispy texture and a distinct flavor. Cilantro is often used as a garnish on soups, salads, and tacos. Its delicate flavor can be overpowered by strong spices, so it's best to add it near the end of cooking.

Some people enjoy the taste of cilantro, describing it as citrusy, while others dislike it, describing it as soapy or bitter. In short, it's a love-it-or-hate-it herb.

🌱 What is Coriander?

Coriander, on the other hand, refers to the whole plant of cilantro. It includes the leaves, stems, and seeds. The fresh leaves have a citrusy flavor, while the seeds have a warm, nutty flavor and are commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

They're added whole or ground into powder for dishes like curries and stews. It is also used in pickling, baking, and brewing.

Derived from the Coriandrum sativum plant, both coriander and cilantro have different names depending on the region of the world.

In North America, cilantro refers to the leaves and stalks of the plant, while the dried seeds are called coriander. In other countries, such as the UK and India, the word coriander refers to both the fresh leaves and the seeds of the same plant. To summarize, cilantro refers to the leafy part of the coriander plant, while coriander refers to the seeds.

🆚 Parsley vs Cilantro

These two herbs, both part of the Apiaceae family, have distinct differences and similarities that are worth exploring.

1. Appearance:

Parsley has pointy leaves that can be either curly or flat, while cilantro has rounder leaves with jagged edges. Both are bright green and add a pop of color to any dish, but the resemblance stops there.

2. Taste:

Cilantro has a distinct fresh, spicy-citrusy flavor that is essential to many traditional Mexican, Asian, and Indian dishes. Think guacamole, pico de gallo, or a spicy curry. Parsley, on the other hand, has a milder, herbaceous taste that brightens up almost any recipe. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and a favorite in tabbouleh salads.

3. Smell:

When it comes to the smell, fresh parsley has a light, earthy scent. It’s almost like smelling freshly cut grass. In contrast, fresh cilantro can be quite pungent and has a strong odor that many either love or hate. The strong smell of cilantro can overpower other ingredients, so it's better to use it in moderation.

🔪 How To Cut Cilantro (Coriander Leaves)

It's not just about chopping; the way you handle this delicate herb can make a real difference in your cooking. Let's look into the best way to cut cilantro to ensure you are making the most of this versatile herb.

1. Start with a bunch of cilantro. Give the bunch a quick rinse under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Lay the bunch on a cutting board and separate the leaves from the stems. The stems can be quite tough and fibrous, so you want to discard them.
2. Gather the cilantro leaves into a tight bunch, making sure that the ends are aligned. Hold the bunch tightly in your non-dominant hand.
3. With a sharp knife, start cutting the cilantro leaves. Use a rocking motion with the knife and chop the cilantro as finely as you want. The key is to use a sharp knife and not crush the cilantro; otherwise, it'll turn into mush.
4. Keep gathering the chopped cilantro and slicing it with a rocking motion until you reach the desired texture. If you want the cilantro to be even finer, you can run the knife over it in a back-and-forth motion to make it even finer.
5. Once you're done chopping, transfer the cilantro to a bowl and use it in your dish as desired. If you're not using the cilantro right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, cilantro tends to lose its flavor quickly, so try to use it within a day or two.

🥣 Culinary Uses

Cilantro:

1. Salsas: Most commonly used to make salsas, add a bunch of cilantro along with tomatoes, onions, and lime for a tangy dip with tortilla chips or grilled meat.
2. Chutneys: Use cilantro to create vibrant green chutneys with mint, tamarind, and green chili. Perfect for grilled chicken, fish, or veggies.
3. Pestos: Switch up from basil pesto! Blend cilantro, garlic, cashews, parmesan, and olive oil for a creamy paste. Use on pasta, potatoes, or sandwiches.
4. Marinades: Enhance meat and seafood marinades with cilantro, cumin, garlic, lime, and olive oil. Ideal for grilling or roasting chicken, shrimp, or fish.
5. Dressings: Create simple cilantro dressing by whisking lime juice, honey, olive oil, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle on salads, grain bowls, rice dishes, or roasted veggies.
6. Garnishes: Sprinkle cilantro over tacos, soups, and on boiled corn on the cob for a touch of flavor and texture.

Coriander Seeds:

1. Coriander Powder: Essential in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cooking. Adds mild sweetness to curries, stews, soups, and spice blends like garam masala and za’atar.
2. Spice Blend: Toasted and ground coriander seeds add warmth to spice blends like Caribbean Jerk, Ras el Hanout, and Chinese five-spice powder.
3. Curries: Whole coriander seeds are essential in authentic curries. Simmer them with onions, ginger, and other spices for a rich flavor.
4. Coriander Seed Water: Coriander seeds have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Boil a tablespoon in a cup of water and drink to soothe digestive discomfort, reduce bloating, or fight inflammation.
5. Pickling Spice: Add coriander seeds to your pickling spice blend for a delicious flavor. Combine with mustard seeds, black pepper, and dill to pickle cucumbers, carrots, or beets.

✨ Benefits

1. Aids Digestion

Cilantro and coriander seeds are packed with digestive enzymes. They help break down food, enhancing digestion and reducing bloating. They are especially useful in heavy or greasy meals.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Coriander seeds can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) due to their high healthy fat content and antioxidant levels. They're a natural way to manage cholesterol levels.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

Both cilantro and coriander seeds are high in antioxidants. These protect cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation, helping prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

4. Boosts Immunity

Cilantro and coriander seeds are a great source of Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant strengthens the immune system by combating harmful pathogens, helping your body resist infections and diseases.

5. Improves Sleep

Coriander seeds contain natural compounds that help to regulate sleep, making them an excellent choice for those struggling with insomnia or restless sleep. Just a few spoonfuls of coriander seeds before bed can help you achieve a night of more restful and restorative sleep, ensuring that you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

🍱 Buying and Storing

Cilantro:

• When selecting fresh cilantro, look out for vibrant green leaves without any yellow spots.
• Also, take a sniff – fresh cilantro should have a fragrant and sharp scent.
• Once you have your cilantro at home, before storing, trim the bottom stems and give it a rinse, gently pat dry, and transfer to a paper or cloth towel.
• Fold the towel and put it in a plastic or resealable bag.
• Store cilantro in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Pro-tip: if you’re using the cilantro for a recipe with more substantial leaves, store the cilantro upright in a jar of water and cover it with a plastic bag. This will keep the cilantro fresh and crisp for extended periods.

Coriander Seeds:

• When buying coriander seeds, look for brown seeds with a subtle citrus scent.
• Ground coriander powder should be pale yellow and fine-textured and, again, should emit a citrus scent.
• Store coriander seeds and powder in an airtight container away from direct light, moisture, and heat. They can stay fresh for up to three years.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipes With Cilantro and Coridander

🔑 Key Takeaways: Cilantro vs Coriander

1. Cilantro vs Coriander: They might share a name, but they're not the same. Cilantro is the fresh leafy part, while coriander refers to the whole plant, including leaves, stems, and seeds.
2. Flavor: Cilantro brings zesty, citrusy notes to dishes like salsa and curries. Coriander seeds offer warm, nutty flavors perfect for curries, spice blends, and even soothing teas.
3. Uses: Cilantro tops soups, salsas, and more with its crisp texture, while coriander seeds add depth to curries and pickles. Both herbs are packed with antioxidants and digestion-friendly enzymes.
4. Storing: Keep cilantro crisp in the fridge for up to two weeks, and preserve coriander seeds' potency in an airtight container for years.

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