| Cilantro and coriander. Are they the same herb? | | | | gardeners by surprise because it grows and then |
| For the most part, folks in the west, call the | | | | goes to seed very quickly. It is at its most |
| seeds of the cilantro plant, Coriander, while the | | | | flavorful before this occurs, so harvest the plants |
| leaves or foliage are known as, Cilantro. We tend | | | | before they flower and seed. Then plant cilantro in |
| to think of the leaves as "herbs" and the seeds | | | | frequent intervals so you have a supply for the |
| and roots as "spices." However, in much of the | | | | entire season. |
| world, the entire plant, leaves, roots and seeds, | | | | Bring your meals to life - How to use cilantro and |
| are known as Coriander. | | | | coriander in the kitchen |
| Cilantro/coriander, is an annual herb, which means | | | | As you may have gathered, cilantro is a feature |
| its entire life cycle, from planting, to maturity, to | | | | in our favorite meals from around the world. The |
| the end of its life, occurs in a single growing | | | | reason that recipes from all cultures use this herb, |
| season. In other words, annual herbs must be | | | | is that entire plant is edible. The seeds, roots, |
| started with new seedlings, or new seeds planted, | | | | stems and leaves each have distinct flavors and |
| every year. | | | | uses. |
| Plant coriander, then watch cilantro grow. Tips for | | | | Using fresh cilantro (leaves, foliage and stems) |
| growing the most flavorful cilantro | | | | Salads (use leaves) |
| - Plant seeds shallow in well turned and well | | | | Stews and sauces (use leaves) |
| drained soil | | | | Soups (use stems and/or leaves) |
| - Space the herbs twelve to eighteen inches apart | | | | Using coriander (seeds) |
| in the garden or if you are growing herbs in pots | | | | Sauces (curries etc) |
| - Choose an area of the garden that receives full | | | | Flavoring meat |
| sun, or, if necessary, an area of partial shade | | | | Use as aromatic for potpourri arrangements and |
| - Make sure to allow "head room" for the mature | | | | sachets |
| cilantro plant, as it typically grows 2-3 feet in | | | | In another article, I will talk again about cilantro |
| height. Try to place the plant so it is not growing | | | | including a few of my favorite simple and most |
| under the skirts of other garden plants. | | | | delicious recipes using cilantro and coriander. |
| Important note: Cilantro actually takes many herb | | | | |