Tag: Vietnamese coriander

With over 150 herbaceous species in the genus *Persicaria* worldwide, not all are created equal when it comes to consumption. A number of these common smartweeds are indeed edible, but others are best left alone, so proper identification is absolutely crucial before you decide to forage.

Native to Southeast Asia, Vietnamese mint (Persicaria odorata) is not a true mint but is a prized herb with a distinctly peppery, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavor. This versatile plant is used extensively in Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian cooking to enhance salads, soups, and curries, and has also been valued for centuries in traditional medicine for various health benefits.