Coriander

by Laurie

General: Coriander is the seed of Coriandrum sativum, a plant in the parsley family. The seed is globular and almost round, brown to yellow red, and 1/5 inch in diameter with alternating straight and wavy ridges.

Region Produced: Coriander comes from Morocco and Romania.

Traditional Uses: Coriander is used in Indian curries, gin, American cigarettes, and sausages.

Aroma/Taste: Coriander has a mild, distinctive taste similar to a blend of lemon and sage.

History: Coriander is probably one of the first spices used by mankind, having been known as early as 5000 BC. Sanskrit writings dating from about 1500 BC also spoke of it. In the Old Testament "manna" is described as "white like Coriander Seed." (

Exodus 16:31) The Romans spread it throughout Europe and it was one of the first spices to arrive in America.

Storage: Store in cool, dark, dry places.

Ideas: Coriander is not interchangable with cilantro, although they are from the same plant.

Ground Coriander seed is traditional in desserts and sweet pastries as well as in curries, meat, and seafood dishes with South American, Indian, Mediterranean, and African origins. Add it to stews and marinades for a Mediterranean flavor.