Coriander comes from the seeds of the cilantro plant, a herb commonly use in salsas and sometimes referred to as Mexican parsley. Read the ingredients in any curry powder spice and you’ll see coriander listed. You can buy it as whole seeds or ground into a powder.
Coriander has a storied history. It’s thought to be one of the most ancient herbs, earning mention in the Bible and works of literature as early as 1500 BC. Indian tradition is to chew roasted fennel and coriander seeds after eating a large meal to combat sleepiness. And, according to an ancient Chinese belief, coriander has aphrodisiac properties and confers immortality on those who eat it. Today we enjoy it for its complex flavor, while tapping its impressive health resume.
Cilantro and Coriander Seed Health Benefits
1. Cilantro leaves and stems are packed with vitamins.
Just 9 sprigs of this unassuming herb supplies 3/4 of the vitamin K we need each day. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and is essential for building strong bones. Cilantro sprigs are also a source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A.
2. Cilantro leaves have high levels of antioxidants.
A study published in Food Chemistry found that coriander leaves (also known as cilantro leaves) showed stronger antioxidant activity than the seeds.
3. Cilantro is low in calories.
Cilantro adds flavor to a dish without adding a ton of calories. There are only 4 calories in 9 sprigs of cilantro leaves.
How to Chop Cilantro
After rinsing and drying off the leaves, hold the bouquet of cilantro downwards at an angle with the leaves touching the cutting board. Separate the leaves from the stems. Once the stems have been removed, finely chop the cilantro by running the knife back and forth on the pile of leaves.
4 Healthy Recipes that Use Cilantro
1. Cilantro Lime Rice from Spicy Southern Kitchen
Use it as a filler for burritos or as a base for burrito bowls.
Spicy Southern Kitchen
2. Roasted Carrots and Cilantro from Love & Lemons
A simple side dish of roasted, caramelized carrots with a tangy cilantro yogurt sauce.
Love & Lemons
3. Spot Prawns with Lime and Cilantro from I am a Food Blog
Sweet, tender prawns tossed in an Asian-inspired dressing made of fish sauce, cilantro and chilli for a kick of heat.
I am a Food Blog
4. Cilantro Lime Chicken from A Sweet Pea Chef
A quick tip from food blogger Lacey Baier: “If you are gonna meal prep, try dicing the chicken into bite-sized cubes and storing in these handy containers. This makes it SO MUCH easier to reheat the chicken, which — in turn — makes it stay as juicy as possible.”
A Sweet Pea Chef
