Coriander vs Cilantro: What are the Differences and similarities?

Confused about coriander vs cilantro? Read on to discover the differences and similarities between these two herbs and learn how to use them in your cooking.

Coriander and cilantro are two popular herbs that are often used interchangeably in recipes. They both belong to the same plant, Coriandrum sativum, but are known by different names depending on where you live.

In the US, the term cilantro refers to the plant’s fresh leaves, while the dried seeds are called Coriander.

Whereas in the UK, Australia, India, and some other places, both the leaves and seeds are called Coriander.

In this article, we’ll be using the terms cilantro and coriander interchangeably to refer to the plant’s leaves and seeds.

What is Coriander?

Coriander is the dried seeds of the coriander plant. Coriander seeds have a slightly sweet and tangy taste that is often described as warm and nutty.

You can use coriander seeds in a lot of recipes, such as curries, stews, soups, and marinades.

One interesting fact about coriander is that it has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

In ancient Egypt, people used coriander to help with digestion and to treat headaches. In Ayurvedic medicine, they use it to treat anxiety, inflammation, and digestive problems.

What is Cilantro?

Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves of the coriander plant. These leaves have a strong, zesty taste that is often described as lively and invigorating.

Cilantro is a popular ingredient in many different types of food, such as salsas, guacamole, salads, and curries. Sometimes, cilantro is also used as a decoration or a final herb to add flavor to a dish.

Interesting Facts and Trivia,

Cilantro is often used as a natural breath freshener. Chewing on a few cilantro leaves can help to neutralize bad breath.

Different Parts of Cilantro and Coriander Plants

Here’s a breakdown of the 3 different parts:

1. Cilantro Leaves: Cilantro leaves are thin and have a bright, citrusy taste. You can use cilantro leaves to garnish dishes such as salsa and guacamole, as well as to add flavor to main dishes like curry or soup.

2. Cilantro Stems: Cilantro stems are thin and can be eaten, but they’re not used as much in cooking as the leaves. They have a similar taste to the leaves, but they’re not as strong. You can use cilantro stems to add a bit of crunch to dishes or as a garnish.

3. Coriander Seeds: Coriander seeds are small and have a warm, slightly sweet taste. They’re often used in spice blends like curry powder or garam masala. Coriander seeds can also be used to season roasted vegetables or meat dishes. You can either grind them up into a powder or use them whole.

What Is the Difference Between Coriander and Cilantro?

1. Appearance

One of the main differences between coriander and cilantro is their appearance.

Coriander seeds are small, round, and brown in color. They have a slightly rough texture and are often sold whole or ground into a powder.

Cilantro leaves, on the other hand, are bright green and have a feathery texture. They are often sold in bunches and can be chopped, minced, or torn into smaller pieces.

2. Taste and Flavor

Coriander and cilantro have distinct taste and flavor profiles.

The Coriander seeds have a warm, slightly sweet flavor with notes of citrus and nuttiness.

Cilantro leaves have a pungent, bright, and citrusy flavor that some people find polarizing. While some people love the taste of cilantro, others find it soapy or unpleasant.

Culinary Uses of Coriander and Cilantro

Cooking experts use coriander and cilantro in various dishes, but they typically employ them in distinct ways.

Here are some of the most popular culinary uses of these versatile herbs:

1. Seasoning for meat and vegetables

You can use coriander and cilantro as a seasoning for meat and vegetables, adding a bright and flavorful kick to grilled or roasted dishes.

2. Flavoring for soups and stews

Often used in soups and stews, where their fresh, herbal flavor can help balance out richer, heartier ingredients.

3. Key ingredients in salsa and guacamole

Cilantro is a key ingredient in many Mexican and Southwestern dishes, including salsa and guacamole, where it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements spicy peppers and creamy avocado.

4. Garnish for salads and tacos

You can use them as garnishes for salads and tacos, and they add a burst of color and flavor to the dish.

5. Flavoring for rice and grains

Coriander can be used as a flavoring for rice and grains, adding a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of cuisines.

Health Benefits of Coriander and Cilantro

According to the Journal of Medicinal Food, Food Chemistry, and International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, coriander, and cilantro have been found to offer numerous health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

Both of these herbs contain compounds called linalool and limonene, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help reduce inflammation in the body and may be beneficial in managing conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

2. Digestive Health

Compounds found in these herbs can stimulate digestive enzymes and promote the production of digestive juices, helping to alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

3. Antioxidant properties

Both herbs contain antioxidants, which are important for protecting the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage. Antioxidants can also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Blood sugar control

Coriander and cilantro may help to regulate blood sugar levels. Compounds found in these herbs can stimulate the production of insulin and promote the uptake of glucose by the cells, which can help to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.

5. Immune system support

Both herbs are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C can help to boost the production of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infections and diseases.

How to Store Coriander and Cilantro

To keep coriander seeds fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You should use ground coriander within six months, while you can store whole coriander seeds for up to a year.

And to keep cilantro fresh, store it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel. You can store cilantro in the refrigerator for up to a week, but use them within a few days of purchase for best results.

Recipes to try:

• Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
• Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
• Salad Recipe for Weight Loss
• Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe
• Pepper Garlic Prawns Recipe

In conclusion, the great Coriander vs Cilantro debate rages on!

While they come from the same plant, they have different names and different tastes in different parts of the world. Coriander has a complex flavor. On the other hand, cilantro has a more polarizing taste.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t hesitate to pick up a bunch of fresh cilantro or a jar of coriander seeds and try them out in your favorite recipes.

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