The Difference Between Cilantro and Organic Coriander Seeds
Coriander, or cilantro, as it is more commonly known, is a plant that grows close to the ground. The leaves are what we call coriander, while the seeds are referred to as cilantro.
Coriander seeds are from the same plant as cilantro, but they have a different taste. One of the main differences between the two is that coriander seeds have a more earthy and nutty taste, while cilantro has a more citrus flavor and scent.
This popular spice is small in size and features an oval shape with ridges all over it. They may be brownish-orange in color. Coriander seeds have been used for centuries for their aromatic and flavorful qualities, which can vary depending on how they are used.
Whole coriander seeds, whose botanical name is Coriandrum sativum, come from the coriander plant and are native to a variety of different areas, including Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwestern Asia. The popular spice, cilantro, also comes from the coriander plant. Although coriander seeds and cilantro come from the same plant, they have many differences.
Coriander seeds have a flavor similar to a mixture of citrus and pine. They are most often used whole or ground as part of the flavoring in curry powder. The petals from the coriander plant are also edible and are commonly used in Asian cooking and in spicy salsas. The leaves, seeds, and roots of the coriander plant can all be used for cooking.
The coriander plant is closely related to the cilantro plant, but is not to be confused with it. Coriander seeds come from the same plant, but are harvested before they reach maturity. Cilantro plants have leaves that are more flat and less delicate, while coriander plants have more round leaves that have a distinct aroma when crushed.
Coriander seeds are available whole or ground and can be found in the spice section of most grocery stores. Coriander oil is also available as an alternative to using the seeds in cooking or for flavoring food. It's generally easier to find coriander seeds than coriander oil.
The Difference Between Cilantro and Whole Coriander Seeds:
Just because cilantro and whole coriander seeds come from the same plant, the two are virtually nothing alike. The two have very different tastes, smells, and uses.
The coriander plant is a soft plant, and the leaves vary in size and shape. For those who can handle it, the smell of the coriander plant is earthy and has citrusy hints like lemon and lime. Cilantro, the popular spice, also comes from the coriander plant. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander leaves and stalk.
Just because cilantro and whole coriander seeds come from the same plant, the two are virtually nothing alike. The two have
Whole coriander seeds contain less than 10% water, whereas cilantro contains nearly 100% water! The scent of organic coriander seeds is different from that of the leaves of the coriander plant. The scent of coriander seeds is said to be more nutty than citrusy.
The best way to get the most scent from your coriander seeds is to dry roast them, but if you are going to grind them, they lose their flavor fast, so make sure you remember to use them.
There are so many different ways to incorporate cilantro into your cuisine. Here are just some of the ways:
- Place the stalk of the coriander plant in a bottle of your favorite olive oil. The flavor of the stalk will infuse the oil, creating a tasty and unique oil.
- Add some chopped cilantro to your salad dressings for an extra burst of flavor.
- Chop up cilantro and put it into some sour cream and then use that to top off tacos, burritos, or your favorite chicken tortilla soup recipe.
Organic whole coriander seeds are just as versatile as the plant that they come from. Some uses for whole coriander seeds are:
- The flavor of coriander seeds is not long-lasting, so it is best to add them with mustard seeds to help enhance the flavor.
- You can grind down coriander seeds to make your own spice rubs for different types of meat. My favorite dish to use ground coriander on is pork chops. Grinding down coriander seeds is easy if you have a food processor, a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, or a blender.
- Consider adding organic coriander seeds to foods like curries, stews, or soups to add some consistency and flavor. The coriander seeds will add a mild flavor but will add a lot of texture to smooth dishes.
If you do not have coriander seeds but want to use them for a recipe, buying ground coriander seeds from the supermarket will work as a substitute for whole coriander seeds. The supermarket isn’t the only place to get coriander seeds, as there are a variety of online websites that also sell them. It's now easier than ever to add delicious flavor to your next meal.
Coriander Seeds Benefits:
Coriander seeds are mainly used as a spice and an herb. It is also used in some traditional medicines around the world. Coriander is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southeastern Asia.
The benefits of coriander seed have been known to humans for a long time.The seeds of coriander have been used since ancient times. Indians used them as food flavoring and even for toothache relief.
- It helps to relieve digestive upset.
- It supports healthy bowel function.
- Aids in Balancing Gas & Bloating
- It boosts the immune system.
- Good for the heart
- It promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.
- It alleviates arthritis symptoms.
Taste and application:
Coriander seeds are often used in curries, chutneys, and pickles, but they are also used in Chinese and Mexican cooking. If you're looking for a spice to add to your favorite dish, then here are a few ideas:
Salad Dressing: Coriander is used in many different types of salad dressing. It can be paired with fruit or vegetables like apples, oranges, grapes, and carrots.
Soups: The warm flavors of coriander combined will complement any type of soup, from chicken noodle to vegetable soup.
Indian Recipes: Indian recipes frequently use cilantro seeds. Be sure to include them in chicken dishes, rice dishes, and vegetable entrees.
Coriander seeds can be used in Italian or Mediterranean dishes such as pasta, pizza, or grilled chicken.
Spicy Fried Rice: Spicy fried rice is a popular Asian dish that includes coriander seeds as one of the spices used in this recipe.
Conclusion
Although coriander seeds and cilantro both come from the coriander plant, they differ in taste, scent, look, and use. Cilantro comes from the stalk and leaves of the coriander plant, and the coriander seeds are small, crunchy, tan-colored seeds that the plant is cultivated from. Coriander seeds are also difficult to chew, which is why some people choose to grind them down and make homemade organic coriander seed powder.
Related Article and Product:
- Coriander Seeds History, Uses and Benefits
- SPICY ORGANIC Coriander Seed - 100% Pure USDA Organic - Non-GMO - Best Use For Many Traditional Curries.