tbl cilantro
Cilantro is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, K, and C, along with manganese and antioxidants. It contains volatile compounds with potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
About
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a leafy herb belonging to the Apiaceae family, native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia. The plant produces feathery, lacy green leaves with a distinctive pungent aroma and complex flavor profile—bright and citrusy with peppery undertones. Cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley or coriander leaf (the same plant as coriander seeds, which come from the mature fruit). The flavor and aroma are highly polarizing due to genetic variation in olfactory receptor perception; some individuals experience the characteristic cilantro taste, while others perceive an unpleasant soapy flavor from aldehydes present in the volatile oils.
Culinary Uses
Cilantro is extensively used across Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines as both a cooking ingredient and fresh garnish. It is fundamental to dishes such as Mexican salsas, Indian chutneys, Thai curries, and Vietnamese pho. The leaves are typically added near the end of cooking or used fresh to preserve their delicate flavor and aroma, though mature stems can be incorporated into pastes and marinades. Cilantro pairs well with lime, cumin, garlic, and chile peppers, making it essential in salsas, guacamole, and curry preparations. The tender stems are edible and flavorful, offering a less intense alternative to the leaves.