What is cilantro?
Coriander sativum is an aromatic herb with finely cut and very fragrant foliage. Visually, it has a similar appearance to parsley. It has many therapeutic virtues, it is commonly used in cooking, by its powerful and incomparable taste. At the table, she does not go unnoticed: either we love her or we hate her.
It is difficult to know its exact center of origin of coriander, it is possible that it comes from the Mediterranean basin, Central Asia or the Near East. Its history goes back to antiquity, it is mentioned in the bible, and before, it was already used by the Romans and the Egyptians. This aromatic herb was also very widespread and used in the Middle Ages.
This aromatic herb is easy to grow. Many parts of the plant can be eaten as there are uses for its roots, seeds and leaves. If it is mainly consumed for its aromas, it also has many health benefits.
Good to know : it is necessary to differentiate the fresh grass from the coriander and its small round fruits. The latter are dried seeds whose warm and spicy bouquet with its woody notes is reminiscent of honey, pine needles, camphor, cinnamon and pepper. Its pleasant aroma results from the essential oil contained in its fruits.
What are the benefits of cilantro?
The properties and benefits of coriander have been exploited since Antiquity. It acts mainly on the digestive sphere:
- Coriander has virtues to stimulate the appetite, but also to help digestion. In the form of seeds, coriander is antispasmodic and prevents intestinal gas.
- The presence of vitamin K and of flavonoids makes cilantro a powerful antioxidant. This vitamin is also known to be valuable for helping in proper blood clotting and bone formation.
- The detoxifying properties of coriander are also recognized, it helps eliminate heavy metals when consumed fresh and in large quantities.
- It also has toning properties, coriander leaves have beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin by participating in cell renewal. It also has beneficial properties for the eyes and strengthens the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. In the body, beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A.
- In the form of essential oil, it is the calming and sedative aspect of coriander that is appreciated. However, it is also effective in aiding digestion and helping to heal problems in the ENT (otolaryngology) area.
Coriander also contains mineralsof the trace elements and many vitamins as the vitamin A, B9, VS And E.
How to use coriander?
The use of coriander is widespread in cooking. However, its use can also be in the form of herbal tea, capsules or essential oil:
- dry coriander can be eaten in a dish and bring an original flavor. It is also possible to make a dry herbal infusion by putting a tablespoon of dried leaves in 1 L of simmering water.
- Fresh cilantro can generously sprinkle over dish. It can also be consumed directly or infused.
- coriander seeds can be consumed in various ways, in powder, infusion, but also in mother tincture.
- essential oil can be consumed diluted in a little olive oil, honey or on a small piece of sugar for those who really do not appreciate the taste of essential oil. One or two drops can also flavor a dish.
- coriander roots are used as a base in the oldest way of seasoning Thai dishes, coriander paste. This paste is made from coriander roots, garlic and white pepper seeds, all crushed in a mortar. The taste of coriander root is similar to that of the leaf, but a bit more pronounced and earthier.
How to choose cilantro?
Choose it fresh, like most aromatic herbs, it must be a beautiful soft and luminous green. Discard yellowed leaves and stems, which can take on an unpleasant taste. Choose vigorous bouquets, they are the most fragrant.
Good to know : fresh coriander is often sold with its root, which can be used in various preparations, provided it is chopped or finely ground, it has a more pronounced taste, which makes it perfect for marinating meat and fish.
How to store cilantro?
It is kept in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator or in a glass of water like a bouquet of parsley. The grains keep all their flavor dry, in a closed box.
What are the contraindications of coriander?
- Because of its great richness in vitamin K, coriander is not recommended for people on anticoagulant treatment.
- It is not recommended to consume coriander in the form of essential oil for a long time, because it has an effect that can be similar to progesterone, so it should not be combined with hormone treatment. The use of essential oil is also not recommended for pregnant women.
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