Properties in coriander
Coriander is a herb with several properties that is used in recipes in countries all around the world. Among other things, it acts as a natural cleanser. As well as that, it has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years.
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The strong taste is loved by many and hated by others, no one is without an opinion on it. Coriander features in many recipes across Mexico, North Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Asia, and in Spain as well. In Spain, it also goes by the names of ‘culantro’ and ‘pebre’, and belongs to the aromatic herbs group.
Its origins are not fully known, but it is believed to come from Eastern Europe. We have been cultivating coriander for more than 3,000 years. They have found remnants of this herb in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. There are also traces of its use in Ancient Greece, where it was used to make perfume. Romans were the ones who introduced it to the rest of Europe, from England, then it spread to the United States and onto Latin America.
Fresh coriander is never cooked because the heat completely destroys its smell and flavour.
What are the benefits of coriander?
All parts of the plant are edible, but it’s the fresh leaves and dried seeds that are most often used in cooking. They are used as an infusion or seasoning, and are essential to Indian cuisine in dishes like curry or chutney. It is also an essential ingredient in some Belgian beers, German and South African sausages, rye bread in Russia and other central European countries, and in some Ethiopian and Arabic dishes too. As well as that, its powder is added to coffee in the Middle East and it is also one of the main ingredients in Mexican guacamole.
Fresh coriander is never cooked because the heat completely destroys its smell and flavour. It should be kept in the fridge in a watertight container and consumed within a few days as it spoils quickly. It should never be dried or frozen because it will lose its flavour.
Coriander contains a high number of vitamins such as A and K. These vitamins help to keep skin and bones in good condition. It also contains potassium which helps with normal muscle function, and folates, which help to reduce tiredness and fatigue as well as aiding the development of maternal tissues during pregnancy.
