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by: KCKudra
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You might wonder why some recipes call for cilantro and others call for coriander. Maybe you have seen the two labels in the supermarket and are wondering what the difference is between these herbs. Cilantro and coriander actually come from the same plant. So, what is cilantro exactly and what is coriander?

To begin with, cilantro is a herb, which is part of the carrot family. It is tasty and very versatile for cooking. It comes fresh or dried and tastes a bit like citrus. Coriander is a spice, which comes from the coriander plant. It is harvested and then dried. The leaves and stems of the coriander plant are known as cilantro. Cilantro leaves look a little like flat Italian parsley and in fact, the two herbs are related.

The history of cilantro is very interesting. It has been used for baking and cooking since ancient Egyptian times. A lot of ancient Egyptian writings mention coriander seeds and these seeds have also been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs.

There are some stores that actually have what is called Mexican parsley and you will notice it looks like cilantro. This is actually the same herb and cilantro, Mexican parsley, and coriander seeds all come for the coriander plant. In Mexico, cilantro is an herb that is quite versatile within Mexican cooking and is often used much as parsley is in America cuisine.

Almost every supermarket sells cilantro and you will find it in the produce aisle. Cilantro is sold in bunches and is tied up like a parsley bunch. You can look at the leaves or smell them if you are not completely sure whether you have picked up parsley or cilantro. The smell of cilantro is very distinct and the leaves are wider than parsley leaves. Cilantro looks a bit like flat Italian parsley and is actually related.

Cilantro is a herb, which is used, in a lot of different salsas, sauces, dips, and dressings. Some Chinese recipes use Chinese parsley, which is the same herb as cilantro. Cilantro is often added to Asian recipes and is very aromatic when used in salads. This herb is used in many different ethnic cuisines and complements many types of recipes. Likewise, coriander can be used in everything from stews to curries.

If you buy cilantro and bring it home, you should rinse it and shake off the excess water, then put it in a glass of water with just the stems below the water. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag. This is much better than drying the cilantro because it preserves the flavor and it will keep for about a week. If you live somewhere very hot, you can store the cilantro on the top shelf of the refrigerator.

When you are ready to use the cilantro in a recipe, you can crush it with a pestle and mortar to release the flavor and aroma. Alternative you can use the leaves whole or roughly torn in salads. If you are cooking with cilantro, add it to the recipe near the end of the cooking time because its delicate nature does not do well when heated. Coriander and cilantro are versatile ingredients and if you are experimenting with flavorsome stews, curries, or other dishes, try adding a little to perk up the flavor of the dish.

About the Author

Mexican food recipes loved by one and all. Discover why everyone is finding the joys of authentic Mexican recipes and find out just how simple they can be to make for your family.

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