Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
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(Text)HERB & SPICE COMPANION- 178 –
CORIANDER SEEDS
Coriandrum sativum
Flavors: mild, warm, and sweet,
with orange and lemon peelCoriander seeds come from the plant that bears the pungent leafy-green herb known
as cilantro (see page 48). However, while cilantro offers sharp, eye-opening flavor, cori-
ander seeds are subtle, sweet, and ver-
satile, bringing mild citrus flavor to both
sweets and savory dishes alike. Their fla-
vor is so agreeable that they can be used
in great quantity without overdoing it.
Coriander is considered an “amalgamat-
ing” spice, meaning it can bring disparate
flavors together to harmonize in a dish;
for this reason, it’s a common ingredient
in many spice blends and pastes, includ-
ing garam masalas, curry powders, curry
pastes, and pickling spices, as well as
berbere and zhug (see pages 250–251)
and harissa (see page 150).In the Garden
Coriander, which are annuals, plants do best in mild climates between 60° and
80°F. They’ll produce foliage (cilantro) and seeds through the winter if your region
doesn’t experience frosts. The plants grow healthily in containers, but they’re fussy if
uprooted, so choose a suitable, permanent container. The seeds develop their sweet
citrus flavor upon drying; while still ripe, they’ll taste like cilantro.
Size: 2 feet tall
Container: 18 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches deep
Light: Full sunHEALTH BENEFITS
Coriander is touted for its anti-
inflammatory qualities, helpful for
ailments like arthritis, rheumatism,
and skin conditions such as eczema
and psoriasis. It’s also been shown
in studies to improve cholesterol
levels and lower blood sugar. On
top of that, research has found that
an antibiotic compound found in
coriander may fight off food-borne
bacteria like salmonella.Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
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