Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Coriander is a small herb whose leaves are reminiscent of parsley, and that has very similar uses. In addition, it can be grown anywhere, so if you don't have a garden or orchard it will grow just as well in a pot.

If you want to know everything about him maintenance of this practical and incredible plant, don't wait any longer and keep reading!

What is coriander and what is it used for?

Coriander, also known as coriander or anisillo, it is an annual herb -that is, in just one year it germinates, grows, reproduces and finally dies- which grows to a height of about 60 centimeters. It is native to India, but nowadays it is cultivated in all countries where they enjoy a temperate to warm climate, as it is magnificent to flavor our dishes.

It has some white flowers that, although small, are very beautiful as you can see in the image above. You can enjoy them in summer, which is when they sprout from the plant.

One of the characteristics that makes it so recommended is its aroma. Indeed, it is an aromatic plant that is also very easy to grow, as it only needs to be located in very bright places, and be watered between two and four times a week, depending on the environmental conditions.

What is the difference between coriander and parsley?

The main differences between coriander and parsley are as follows:

• Cilantro: It has the tips of the leaves more rounded and the stem has a triangular shape. It is somewhat greener and lighter in color than parsley and has a strong and pungent odor. In terms of size, it is much longer since it can reach a height of 70 centimeters. It has a stronger flavor and is used chopped as a seasoning in cooking.
• Parsley: they have the end of the more pointed leaves and a slightly darker or subtly bright green color. It is softer than coriander with more herbal notes. In terms of size, it is smaller since it measures between 25-30 centimeters. It has a milder flavor and is used in cooking to add a touch to salads and as a flavoring in broths, meat and rice. See file.

Uses of coriander

Coriander can be used to flavor various condiments, vegetable and chicken soups, garlic dishes, rice dishes, and salads. In Latin America, coriander is used in both fresh and dry kitchens. A good example is the Mexican guacamole, which uses this aromatic plant and the famous Cuban black beans, which also benefit from the aroma of coriander.

It should be remembered that seeds are also used, because grinding them and adding them to dishes can give them a different flavor and aroma. To preserve fresh coriander leaves, you can put them in water cut into small pieces and put them in a small container. If they are seeds, they must be protected from light in a closed container to avoid losing the fragrance..

From coriander, the leaves and seeds of the grain and the soil are used. In both cases it is characterized by a citrus flavor close to orange peel, which is more pronounced in the case of the seeds.

What are the benefits of eating coriander?

It is a good anti-inflammatory, has antiseptic properties (blocks the proliferation of microorganisms), it is diuretic and very rich in vitamin C and K. Coriander is anti-inflammatory and has antiseptic properties. Contains 20% essential oils that act on the digestive system facilitating digestion and relieving constipation. It is also effective against colic and flatulence.

Tips on coriander

Being a plant of a rather small size, you can have it without problems both in pot and in the garden, where it will be great along with other aromatics such as thyme, rosemary or lavender. Fertilize it with natural products such as worm castings for even better growth.

Once the flowers are drying, collect your seeds and store them in a cool and shady place (for example, in a tupperware wrapped with aluminum foil) to sow them the following spring. Thus, you will save money while you enjoy your garden or patio, and without having to leave it.

Coriander care

First of all, it is necessary to find a sunny place in the house where it can be planted. Whether it is a portion of the garden that receives sun, or in a pot on the edge of your window or balcony, any of these alternatives will be valid for planting coriander, which generally it won't be very invasive or take up large chunks of space. Many people even choose to have it in small glass jars in their kitchen, as long as it receives direct sunlight.

You have to determine the ideal sowing time, we can say that coriander does not like to heat too much. Therefore, blooms in summer and dies quickly, so the best option is to opt for spring or winter sowing to be able to enjoy it longer. For tropical climates, coriander prefers the cool and dry seasons.

For the substrate, a loose, well-drained soil should be made with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Fertilizing slightly decomposed organic matter is recommended.

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Since coriander plants are dicotyledonous, this means that you will get two plants for every seed bank you plant. Keep this in mind when preparing the seedlings. Always choose certified organic seeds. Coriander is a plant, which although it can tolerate hot climates, grows best in temperate climates, so in these conditions its leaves will be more leafy.

This plant requires a deep soil, that has good drainage, is permeable, light and can maintain a certain degree of freshness and limestone rock. However, it does not require very high substrates and can grow in calcareous, clayey, acidic and fertile soils. Because you like to be in a sunny location, place the coriander plant in an area that can receive light. Protect plants from potentially damaging external conditions (such as wind or excessive and continuous rain).

Overwatering must be avoided at all times since the plant can die from drowning. If the soil drainage is not enough and irrigation water accumulates, it can cause some damage to the plant. Some of the main symptoms of overwatering are fungus and root suffocation. In more severe cases, it can lead to plant death.

You can use clean scissors to carefully trim the branches and use coriander as a recipe.

Cultivation: step by step

Growing coriander is very simple. The seeds are almost thrown to the surface, e ideally they are buried about 5mm deep underground. If you are not at risk from birds or pests, you can put them in the pots of your choice at will. You can choose a pot or container that is at least 45 inches (18 cm) wide and 20 to 25 inches (8-10 cm) deep.

Transplanting coriander is not recommended, so the pots should be large enough to support adult plants and be placed comfortably in a place where they can bask in the sun.

On the other hand, if you want to plant enough coriander in the field, We recommend that you place 2 to 3 seeds with a seed interval of 15 to 20 cm, so that you get an important and evenly distributed sowing. If you want to be more environmentally friendly, you can sprinkle cilantro in a plastic bottle (ideally medium) or in a jar, just poke a few holes in the base (it can be done easily with a hot knife) first put some stones and coarse sand to further promote plus drainage, and finally adds a layer of good substrate. Then strategically place 1-3 seeds in the appropriate pots.

Coriander needs a lot of water to sprout, but without drowning the soil. Make sure you water it constantly and keep the soil moist at all times so you see fast and optimal growth.

Coriander grows very fast, and the germination and germination time will not exceed a few days. When the plant reaches 5 cm in height, fertilizer can be used to improve its general condition. It is also recommended to control its growth and tear off the weakest leaves and plants to strengthen the plant. You must watch out for undesirable weeds that can block or affect plant growth, and always check for weeds that can camouflage themselves. Shortly after, the plants will begin to flower, at which point they will slow down their growth.

What to season with coriander?

We are going to show some of the best known examples:

• Vegetable soup
• Avocado, tomato and apple salad
• Huevos rancheros (typical Mexican dish).
• Bean salad, with avocado.
• Fish ceviche with avocado
• Rice with vegetables
• Cream of carrots and leeks
• Baked chicken with coriander cream.
• Cheesecake
• Canarian green mojo
• Cilantro chimichurri.

As you can see, it is a plant with multiple uses and properties that has spread almost all over the world. I hope that with this information you can learn more about coriander care.