Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as Coriander, is an herb that adds flavor and a bit of greenery to your meals!

• Seed Harvesting: Medium

• Planting Difficulty: Easy

Planting:

• Seeds should be planted 1/4" in the ground and 6" apart. 

• These plants prefer to have full sun, but can have slight shade as well.

  • Need part shade especially in hotter climates.

• Need about 1 inch of water per week.

  • Water every 2-3 days to evenly moisten the soil. 

• Can be planted in smaller containers. 

• Grow successfully in US Hardiness Zones 4-10.

  • In the local zone, 6 in most areas, the time period is May-July for planting. 

Growth:

• Germination takes about 7-10 days.

• Harvesting happens in 120 days.

• Grow to a height of 20"-28" inches.

• Annual, must be replanted every year. 

Harvesting:

• If harvesting for the leaves:

  • Once the plant reaches 6" in height, the leaves can be cut off and regrown.

  • It is best to do this process in 2-3 week intervals.

• If harvesting for the seeds:

  • Do not remove the plant once it bolts, rather let it bloom.

  • This will allow flowers to grow when it starts to get warmer out, usually around early summer.

  • The flowers do not last long, and are replaced with green immature seeds. Wait a few more weeks before collecting the seeds, however, since these seeds will not be viable for growth.

  • When the seeds change from green to brown, that is when they are mature and ready to be picked. 

  • The seeds can then be picked out from the chaff that encases them. 

  • Once the seeds are removed, allow them to properly dry on a paper towel or something else to absorb the moisture. 

Domestication:

Cilantro, also known as Coriander, has been used as an herb since some of the earliest civilizations. It is native to Southern Europe and Asia, especially in India and China. This plant even found growth in Egyptian gardens and the seeds have been reported in tombs as well. Cilantro would eventually make its way to the Americas when Conquistadors arrived in Mexico and Pero. 

Uses:

• The most common use for cilantro in modern day is as an herb or a spice, depending on if you are using the leaves or the seeds. 

  • Cilantro leaves are usually added to soups, salsa, and curries to add flavor.

  • Here are some recipes if using the leaves: https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/cilantro-recipes/

  • Coriander seeds can be added into baked goods, casseroles, and bread.

  • Here are some recipes if using the seeds: https://danfefoods.com/blog/how-to-use-coriander-seeds-in-cooking-benefits-and-recipes/

• While it is not typically used for medicine today, cilantro was used as a medicine in more ancient times.

Health Benefits:

• Contains vitamins A, C, and K.

• Can help prevent some foodbourne ilnesses, lower high blood sugar, and possibly reduce symptoms of cognitive diseases. 

Fun Facts:

• Cilantro is a very polarizing herb, meaning people either love it or hate it with no in-between.

  • This turns out to be because of a person's genes!

• Cilantro is very low in calories and has no cholesterol.

• Many Indian cuisines are said to not be complete without a decent amount of cilantro to top it off.

References:

Header Image: https://www.liveeatlearn.com/cilantro/

Andrychowicz, A. How to harvest & get cilantro seeds from your garden. Get Busy Gardening. https://getbusygardening.com/how-to-collect-cilantro-seeds/

Kelly, T. (2023). Fun facts about cilantro. NC State University. https://lenoir.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/01/fun-facts-about-cilantro/

Ortega, Y. (2022). Cilantro. Food Source Information. https://fsi.colostate.edu/cilantro/

WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2022). Health benefits of cilantro. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cilantro

Wisconsin Horticulture. Cilantro/Coriander, Coriandrum sativum. University of Wisconsin-Madison. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/cilantro-coriander-coriandrum-sativum/#:~:text=Cilantro%20bolts%20readily.,been%20found%20in%20Egyptian%20tombs.