Introduction to Coriander Seeds and Cilantro

This article provides background information about Coriander (Coriandium sativum). Coriander is also sometimes referred to Cilantro quite interchangeably. Typically, people refer to Cilantro to designate the leafy part of the plant, while Coriander is most of the time used to mention the dried seeds.

We begin by first elaborating on coriander’s key characteristics and comparing it to other similar plants. We then summarized the origin of coriander and its benefits for the garden. Finally, we share a great source of coriander seeds to help you grow these in your own garden!

1. Characteristics

Coriander is an annual plant that produces a wonderful plant that can be used for cooking. Most parts of the plant can be used for cooking but the leaves and the dried seeds are the prized parts of the plant that are used to season delicious meals.

The plant has been cultivated originally in southern Europe and western Asia. Coriander seems to have been cultivated at least since the early Bronze Age. Evidence of coriander was found in the tomb of the famous Egyptian Pharaoh Tutakhamen, which is proof that Coriander has been cultivated for thousands of years!

Coriander is widely adaptable to most of the world’s temperate climates, growing well in USDA zones . but also for culinary purposes. The plant grows well in most soils (USDA hardiness zones 2 to 11. The plant grows from Spring to Fall and requires not to be exposed to direct light. A light shade and a well drained soil with low acidity (pH 6.2 to 6.8) is preferred.

 © 2022, Ethos Seed Company

 © 2022, Ethos Seed Company

2. Key planting facts

 © 2022, Ethos Seed Company

 

3. Main benefits

Disclaimer: Please do not consider this article as medical advice. Always consult a physician for nutrition and health purposes.

• Coriander plants are great food with nutritious benefits

In addition to its great taste, some believe that coriander provides great health benefits.

According to 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Coriander (healthline.com), Coriander provides the following benefits:

• Lowers blood sugar, potentially helping to some extent prevent illnesses such as diabetes
• Coriander seeds are rich in antioxidants, which helps reduce cancer risks
• The plant may help promote heart health as well

In addition to healthy minerals such as iron, manganese, 1 cup of coriander seeds contains the following nutrients

Calories: 4

Fat: 0.5g (1%)

Carbohydrates:3.7g (1%)

Protein: 2.1g

Iron: 1.8mg (10% daily nutritional value)

Potassium: 521mg (11%)

Disclaimer: Please do not consider this article as medical advice. Always consult a physician for nutrition and health purposes.

4. Coriander seeds and Cilantro based recipe

There are a lot of different dishes that use coriander, it’s used in all sorts of ethnic and international cuisines. One of our favorites is a Tomato and Lentil soup.

It’s one of favorites especially for cooler fall nights when we look forward to hearty but healthy meals.

For a serving of 4 meals, you would need the following:

• 1 cup of cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
• 5 large tomatoes (7oz+ each)
• 2 cups of lentils
• 3 to 5 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Steps:

• Roast the garlic with the olive oil
• When the garlics are golden / light brown add the tomato and let the mixture boil
• Add the lentil, and cook for 1 hour at light boil
• Add the pepper
• 15 before serving add the cilantro and the coriander seeds

5. How to grow Coriander plants

The first step to grow Coriander would be to find a good reputable provider of heirloom seeds.

One independent and small-business that sells heirloom seeds online is the Ethos Seed Company (https://ethosseed.com/) – you can purchase Coriander/ Cilantro seeds on their website: Spotlight on Cilantro – Ethos Seed Company

They sell heirloom vegetable seeds, herb seeds and flower seeds. The website also provides very useful tips and information about gardening and growing vegetables.

This small business is woman-owned which is a great thing to encourage as well.

It has a diverse selection of seeds with the “staple” selections that include the following categories: kale, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, beans, carrots, squash, cucumbers and many more! It also includes seeds such as Cilantro / Coriander Seeds!

Once you have ordered the seeds that you would like to plant, get ready to start a beautiful garden, and prepare for the right planting season. If you are not sure what to do, you can always connect with your seed provider who would be thrilled to help.