What is Cilantro Best For? Unveiling Culinary Uses and Health Benefits

Cilantro, a herb often described as having a bright and citrusy taste, is a key ingredient in global cuisine. It is also known as coriander in many parts of the world, and adds a distinct fresh finish to various dishes.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the best culinary uses for cilantro, including its role in Mexican, Thai, and Indian cuisines, its health benefits, and how to store it. It contrasts cilantro with coriander, and offers creative ways to use it.

Key Points

• Freshness: Add cilantro fresh at the end of cooking or use as a garnish.

• Cilantro vs. Coriander: Cilantro is the leaves and stems, coriander the dried seeds; they have different flavors and uses.

• Culinary Uses: It is a staple in Mexican, Thai, and Indian cuisines, in salsas, curries, and soups.

• Stems and Flavor: The stems are flavorful and often used in pastes and curry bases.

• Nutrition: Cilantro contains antioxidants, vitamins, and antimicrobial properties.

• Storage: Store cilantro stems-down in water, covered in the refrigerator.

Cilantro: A Culinary Staple

Cilantro, a leafy green herb from the Coriandrum sativum plant, is known for its citrusy flavor and aroma. Its bright taste is delicate and doesn't hold up to prolonged cooking, which is why it is almost always added to dishes at the end of the process or used as a fresh garnish. The herb is versatile and a staple in many kitchens.

Mexican and Latin American Cuisine

Cilantro is a cornerstone of Mexican and Latin American cooking, offering freshness to rich and spicy dishes.

• Salsas and Guacamole: It is an important ingredient, complementing tomatoes, onions, chiles, and avocado.
• Tacos and Garnishes: Cilantro is often sprinkled over tacos, burritos, and other specialties.
• Rice and Beans: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh element to cooked rice or beans.

Southeast Asian Dishes

In Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines, cilantro's flavor cuts through rich ingredients.

• Curries and Soups: Cilantro roots and stems are often used in the curry paste in Thai food. In Vietnamese phở, fresh cilantro is part of the herb platter served alongside.
• Salads: Vietnamese salads often include cilantro with mint and fish sauce.

Indian Cuisine

Indian cooking uses cilantro extensively, with its leaves starring in chutneys and as a garnish for curries and rice dishes.

• Chutney: Cilantro is blended with mint, ginger, and chiles to create chutneys.
• Garnishes: It is used on dishes like dal and biryani.

Cilantro vs. Coriander: Understanding the Difference

Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, Coriandrum sativum, but have different uses and flavor profiles.

Feature	Cilantro	Coriander
Plant Part	Fresh leaves and stems.	Dried, round seeds.
Flavor Profile	Pungent, bright, citrusy, and slightly peppery. Some perceive a soapy taste.	Warm, nutty, and slightly sweet with floral and citrus undertones.
Best Uses	Added fresh to dishes like salsas, guacamole, curries, and soups at the end of cooking.	Ground and used as a spice in curries, spice blends, rubs for meat, baked goods, and pickles.

Health Benefits

Cilantro has been used medicinally for centuries and is a good source of antioxidants.

• Antimicrobial Properties: The herb contains dodecenal, effective against bacteria like Salmonella.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Cilantro is a source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals.
• Antioxidant Effects: Its antioxidants may help protect against oxidative stress.
• Potential Detoxification Aid: Compounds in cilantro may help remove heavy metals from the body, though more research is needed.

Cooking with Cilantro: Tips and Ideas

• Add at the End: Add cilantro at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and color.
• Use Stems and Roots: Don't discard the stems, as they are packed with flavor. The roots are also used in Thai cuisine.
• Create a Dressing or Sauce: A creamy cilantro-lime dressing can elevate salads and tacos.
• Create Herb-Infused Oil: Puree cilantro with olive oil and freeze in cubes.

Conclusion

Cilantro is vital in global gastronomy. It is primarily a finishing herb, added fresh to dishes to maximize its citrusy flavor. Incorporating cilantro can add flavor and color to cooking. For those who dislike the taste, alternatives like Italian parsley with lime can be used. Understanding its uses and differences from coriander opens up culinary possibilities.

Cilantro-Inspired Recipes

• Cilantro Lime Rice: A side dish for Mexican-inspired meals.
• Creamy Cilantro-Avocado Sauce: A dip or topping for fish tacos and grilled vegetables.
• Indian Coriander Chutney: A condiment for snacks and main courses.

Storing Fresh Cilantro

To keep cilantro vibrant, wash and dry it thoroughly. Place the stems in a jar with water, cover the leaves with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container with a paper towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between cilantro and coriander?

Cilantro is the fresh leaves and stems of the Coriandrum sativum plant, while coriander is the dried seeds. They have distinct flavors.

Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?

A genetic variation in the OR6A2 gene makes some people sensitive to aldehyde compounds in cilantro.

Can I substitute dried cilantro for fresh?

No, dried cilantro isn't a substitute for fresh cilantro's flavor. Parsley with lime juice can be used instead.

What are the health benefits of eating cilantro?

Cilantro has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and is a source of vitamins A, C, and K. Some studies suggest anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

When should I add cilantro to a dish?

Add cilantro at the end of cooking for optimal flavor and color.

How do I store fresh cilantro?

Trim the stems and place the bunch in a glass of water, cover with a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

Which cuisines use cilantro?

Cilantro is used in Mexican, Latin American, Southeast Asian (Thai, Vietnamese), and Indian cuisines.