The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Growing Cilantro at Home

Are you looking to take your cooking to the next level? If so, it's time to discover the powerful and flavorful herb known as cilantro. While some people may be put off by its pungent aroma - cilantro has a place in a wide range of cuisines, thanks to its unique taste and versatility. Whether you're whipping up an Indian curry, preparing a fresh salsa or adding some zest to your favorite soup or stew, cilantro is a must-have ingredient for any discerning home cook.

In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of cilantro, including its health advantages and the various ways it can be used in your cooking to elevate your dishes to the next level. So strap in and get ready to explore the many wonders of cilantro - trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

What is Cilantro?

Cilantro, also known as coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a annual plant in the parsley family (Apiaceae) that is widely used in cooking all over the world. It is characterized by its flat, fan-shaped leaves with jagged edges that resemble European parsley leaves in shape but has a pungent, sweet-musky aroma and flavor that some people don't like.

Cilantro is native to regions spanning from southern Europe, Northern Africa and southwestern Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was introduced to North and South America during the Spanish colonization period and is now widely used in Latin American, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Despite its popularity in many regions, cilantro has been known to have polarizing effects on people due to its powerful taste and aroma with some describing it as fresh and fragrant and others finding it soapy or unpleasant.

Cilantro is known by a variety of names depending on the country and language.

• In the United States, it is typically referred to as cilantro or fresh coriander but in many other parts of the world other names may be used.
• In the United Kingdom, for example, it is commonly referred to as coriander.
• In Asia, it may be called Chinese parsley or dhania in India and Pakistan.
• In Latin America, it is often simply referred to as coriander or culantro which is a similar but distinct plant from cilantro.
• Furthermore, even within a single language or culture, there can be regional variations in the naming of cilantro. For example, in some parts of Mexico, it is known as hierbabuena while in other regions it may be called culantro or even ancho.

These differences in terminology can make it challenging to navigate recipes and cooking instructions across cultures but also reflect the rich diversity of languages and traditions around the world.

Health Benefits of Cilantro

Cilantro is a powerful herb that offers many health benefits. It is also known as coriander is widely recognized for its various health benefits:

1. Aids digestion: Cilantro contains enzymes and antioxidants that help support healthy digestion. According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food - the essential oils in cilantro can help reduce inflammation and improve the function of the digestive system.
2. Lowers cholesterol: Certain compounds in cilantro have been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that adding cilantro to a high-fat diet helped reduce high cholesterol levels in mice.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties: Cilantro has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that cilantro helped reduce swelling and inflammation in rats with arthritis.
4. Rich in antioxidants: Cilantro is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that cilantro was effective at scavenging free radicals and preventing cell damage.
5. Antimicrobial properties: Cilantro has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight against infections caused by bacteria and fungi. A study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that cilantro was effective against multiple strains of bacteria and fungi, including E. coli and Candida albicans.

How to Select and Store Cilantro

Tips for Picking Fresh Cilantro at the Grocery Store

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are choosing the freshest cilantro at the grocery store and getting the most out of this flavorful and nutritious herb in your cooking.

• Look for bright green leaves: Fresh cilantro should have bright green leaves that are not wilted or yellowing. Avoid cilantro that looks dried out or discolored.
• Check the stems: The stems should be firm and not easily bendable. Fresh cilantro should also have a strong aroma.
• Avoid slimy leaves: Cilantro should feel dry to the touch so avoid bunches that have slimy or wet leaves.
• Check the expiration date: Make sure to check the expiration date on the cilantro packaging to ensure that it is not past its prime.
• Buy organic when possible: If you're concerned about pesticides or other chemicals, consider buying organic cilantro. Look for the USDA Organic label on the packaging.

Best Ways to Store Cilantro

The best way to store cilantro depends on your preference and how long you plan to keep it . However, refrigerating with water or in an airtight container and freezing are some of the most effective methods for preserving cilantro freshness.

Storing cilantro properly is important to keep it fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.

• Refrigerate with water: Trim the ends of the cilantro stems and place them in a jar or glass with about an inch of fresh water. Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. Change the water every few days.
• Place in a container: After washing and drying the cilantro leaves, place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Store the container in the refrigerator preferably in the crisper drawer.
• Freeze: Cilantro can also be frozen for later use. Wash and dry the leaves then chop them and place them in an ice cube tray filling about halfway. Add water or oil and freeze. Once the cubes are frozen transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
• Use an herb keeper: Herb keepers, such as the OXO herb keeper, are specifically designed to prolong the life of fresh herbs. Simply wash and dry the cilantro then place the stems in the keeper and add water. Store in the refrigerator.

Culinary Uses for Cilantro

These recipes showcase how cilantro can be used in a variety of ways from adding flavor to classic dishes to providing a trendy twist on modern recipes. Enjoy!

Here are some recipe ideas that highlight the versatility of cilantro, ranging from traditional to modern:

• Traditional Guacamole: A classic recipe that uses cilantro to add an herby, fresh flavor to the creamy avocado. Mix mashed avocado, diced onion and tomato, a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season to taste with salt and serve with chips.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A popular side dish in Mexican cuisine, cilantro lime rice pairs well with a variety of main courses. Cook white rice according to package instructions then stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt.
• Cilantro Pesto: A modern twist on traditional basil pesto, cilantro pesto offers a new flavor profile that can be used in a variety of dishes. Blend together cilantro, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt and pepper until smooth. Use as a sauce for pasta, as a marinade for grilled chicken or as a spread on toast.
• Black Bean and Cilantro Soup: A hearty soup that is perfect for chilly days. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add canned black beans, chicken or vegetable broth and plenty of chopped cilantro. Simmer until heated through and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
• Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos: A fun and flavorful way to enjoy cilantro, these shrimp tacos are a popular street food in Mexico. Sauté shrimp in a pan with olive oil, garlic and chili powder. Serve in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro, diced onion and a squeeze of lime juice.

Simple Step-by-step Recipe Instructions to Try at Home

This recipe is easy to follow and only takes a few minutes to make. You can customize the recipe to your liking by using different fruits and toppings. Enjoy!

Delicious Smoothie Bowl

• Ingredients
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup frozen berries
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup granola
• Fresh fruit, chopped (optional)
• Chia seeds (optional)
• Instructions
• Gather all ingredients and a blender.
• Peel the banana and place it in the blender.
• Add the frozen berries, almond milk and honey to the blender.
• Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a bowl.
• Top the smoothie bowl with granola and additional chopped fruit, if desired.
• Sprinkle chia seeds on top for added nutrition.
• Enjoy your delicious and healthy breakfast!

Conclusion

Cilantro is a highly versatile herb that can add an herby, fresh flavor to a wide range of dishes. It can be stored refrigerated with water, in an airtight container or frozen for later use.

Cilantro's health benefits include being a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help improve heart health and digestion.

We encourage you to experiment with cilantro in your cooking by trying out a variety of recipes and share your experiences with everyone.