Cilantro is the name for the green feathery leaves of the coriander herb, Coriandrum sativum. The dried fruits of the herb are brown coriander seeds, a useful kitchen spice. However, it is the leaves and stems of this annual plant – often called Chinese parsley – that are popular today for use in Tex-Mex recipes.
Cilantro is Easy to Grow
Plant cilantro/coriander in full sun to partial sun at a depth of about a quarter inch. The germination time is one week with mature leaves in about six weeks. Cilantro is easy to grow from seed, but do not sow the seeds too early in the spring. The trick, if you want to make salsa, is to time the planting so you can harvest fresh cilantro at the same time tomatoes and corn ripen.
The plant has a reputation for fast bolting – flowering – at which time the leaves diminish in hardiness. As the young leaves taste the best, a way to get around bolting is to pinch back the flowers, sow seeds every three weeks, or buy and sow special slow-bolting seeds.
Health Benefits of Cilantro and Coriander
In the last several years, there have been reports of cilantro acting as a heavy metal detoxifier, specifically mercury chelation (removal) from the body. This intriguing idea needs additional research for justification. Scientists have proved in the lab, though, that the cilantro leaves or the coriander seeds have effective antibacterial properties.
Researchers discovered that the herb contains the phytochemical dodecenal, which kills the bacteria Salmonella – a common cause of food poisoning. In fact, dodecenal was twice as effective as the leading antibiotic medicine gentamicin. The experts suggest the addition of cilantro to food could serve as a natural preventative against food poisoning. The study was reported in the May 6, 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
Throughout the ages, people have used cilantro and coriander as a digestion aid and appetite tonic. These two uses do have validation from the prestigious German E Commission, established in 1978 to investigate the uses and safety of over 300 herbs. The Commission notes coriander seeds are effective for dyspepsia (upset stomach) and stimulation of the appetite.
Salsa is Healthy and Tastes Good
Here is an unusual but scrumptious salsa recipe with, hard to believe, no tomatoes. Pepper Corn Salsa was adapted from an American Institute of Cancer Research Newsletter. Mix all the following ingredients and chill.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) corn
- ½ cup minced green onion
- ¼ cup each, red and green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro (or more)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For fresh tomato fans, try this authentic Tex-Mex recipe. Store cilantro in damp paper towels in the refrigerator or put in a bag with a few holes. The herb gives up some flavor upon drying but can be frozen.
Reference:
“White Fish with Cilantro Pesto.” Grandma’s Cooking, accessed March 8, 2010.
Arlene Lengyel - Arlene is a graduate of Clayton College of Natural Health with a Doctor of Naturopathy degree. Naturopathy promotes an all-inclusive, ...
