cilantro - 1 tbs
Cilantro is very low in calories and provides modest amounts of vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants including quercetin and kaempferol. The herb contains trace minerals and is valued in traditional medicine for its perceived detoxifying properties, though scientific evidence on this remains limited.
About
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean and South Asia. The fresh leaves and upper stems are the culinary herb known as cilantro in North America, while the same plant's dried seeds are marketed as coriander. The herb is characterized by soft, delicate green leaves ranging from broad and flat (lower leaves) to finely divided and feathery (upper leaves), with a distinctive pungent aroma and bright, citrusy flavor profile. Its flavor is polarizing among consumers, with some detecting strong herbal and citrus notes while others perceive a soapy taste linked to the olfactory gene OR6A2.
The herb contains volatile essential oils including linalool, geranyl acetate, and pinene, which contribute to its characteristic aromatic and flavor compounds. Cilantro exhibits mild heat when fresh and is best utilized quickly after harvest, as the leaves wilt rapidly and flavor diminishes with age and heat exposure.
Culinary Uses
Cilantro is extensively used in Latin American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, most prominently in Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking. It appears as a finishing garnish in salsas, curries, pho, and ceviche, or integrated into chutneys, marinades, and green sauces like chimichurri and cilantro lime dressing. The herb pairs well with lime, garlic, chiles, and fatty proteins, offering brightness and cutting through rich flavors.
Fresh cilantro is typically added near the end of cooking or as a raw garnish to preserve its delicate flavor and color. Stems, which contain similar flavor compounds to leaves, can be minced and incorporated into dishes or used in stocks and broths, reducing waste in professional kitchens.