Cilantro, one of the most popularly eaten herbs around the world, is also referred to by many different names such as Coriander; Chinese Parsley; Mexican parsley; Stinky herb; and Coriandrum Sativum plant. Cilantro has a unique and strong history that has been domesticated for almost 7000 years. When I first began my research, I first believed that it had originated in Mexico because of how popular it is in Mexican dishes. Despite that, I learned that this old-world herb originated from places like Europe, Asia, and Egypt. However, the distribution of different varieties of the Coriandrum Sativum plant was scattered and spread everywhere throughout the world. In Figure One, the diagram is a good representation of the geographical spread of the ten ‘botanical’ varieties of coriander and how they each evolved. (Diederichsen; Hammer 2019) I was reminded of the website from our class readings, A Map of Where Your Food Originated May Surprise You, and was surprised when I researched that cilantro had originated and domesticated in areas that I did not even consider. It became so popular and widely used in different cultures and countries that I never truly realized that cilantro was a foreign crop. For example, “More than two-thirds of the crops that underpin national diets originally came from somewhere else - often far away.” (Cherfas 2016) I was first introduced to cilantro through many Mexican dishes so it was very surprising to learn that it first appeared in Egyptian tombs and has centers of origin from continents like Europe and Asia. It is so interesting that cilantro is believed to have originated from Mexico or the United States, despite the fact that it has been cultivated and adapted throughout many years and throughout many different countries. Cilantro can be traced back to almost 6000 B.C. and was discovered that it was commonly grown in Egyptian gardens and was mentioned in many of their texts and hieroglyphics. The seeds from a cilantro plant were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, even though it was a relatively new herb at the time. Eventually, during the medieval and Renaissance periods, cilantro was deemed to be an aphrodisiac, and if one was to consume then one would gain immortality for life. It was strongly affiliated with love and romance, and in many cultures, this herb was said to be a symbol of love. Not only that, but it also appeared as an ingredient in many love potions throughout Chinese culture. Cilantro, to this day, still continues to play a significant role in different cultures around the world. This plant has become one of the most commonly used herbs around the world and has given me a new perspective on this old-world plant. With its deep and fascinating history, cilantro remains one of the most polarizing and unique herbs that has been used since early history.

What is the difference between coriander and cilantro? Something people don’t realize is that there is a huge difference between cilantro and coriander and they often get mixed up. Cilantro refers to the leaves and stem of the plant, while coriander alludes to the dried seeds. “In North America, cilantro refers to the leaves and stalks of the plant. The word “cilantro” is the Spanish name for coriander leaves. Meanwhile, the dried seeds of the plant are called coriander.” (Raman 2023) In addition, even though they are both obtained from the same plant, they are not interchangeable and share different tastes, aromas, health benefits, and are used in different cuisines. Cilantro consists of higher quantities of vitamins and lower quantities of minerals and is also made up of 92.2% of water. Cilantro tastes and smells more citrus-like, despite the fact that a majority of individuals consider the herb to taste like soap due to a genetic variant. In addition, it is often used in dishes around the world such as in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Cilantro is more commonly used in items like salsa; guacamole; chutney; and soup. The leaves are also widely used as a garnish and can either be eaten raw or cooked. Cilantro seeds require a sunny and dry location and are best planted in spring and summer. They should be one-half deep and spaced two inches apart so it has enough room for its leaves to grow. It is necessary to be harvested when the stems are at least four to six inches tall and should be stored by either freezing or drying the leaves. If you freeze the plant, then it is best to place it in a plastic bag and store it away in the freezer. However, if you do dry it, then it is recommended to hang it upside down in a warm area. (Miller; Drost 2006, pg 1-2) Coriander, on the other hand, is the exact opposite and contains more minerals and less vitamins. The seeds are made up of 8.9% of water and have a spicier and nutty flavor that is used in dishes like curries; rice dishes; soups and stews; pickled vegetables; and Dhana Dal. (Raman 2023) Both of these herbs are also similar in regards to their health benefits. They are both filled with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation; blood sugar levels, the risk of heart disease; and are known to help fight infections in the body. To garden coriander, you must plant the seeds eight to ten inches apart and you must wait for the plant to turn brown to then harvest the seeds. Once the plant is brown, you can place the seed heads in a bag upside down and wait until the seeds fall off to then be stored in a container. (Miller; Drost 2006, pg 1-2) Even though my history of cilantro runs so far back, I had never heard of coriander seeds and it was very fascinating to learn that there was a difference between the two. After all, even though they are derived from the same plant, they both have different culinary traditions, uses, and growing techniques. 

Cilantro does not just serve as an ingredient in traditional dishes but can be a source of medicinal value. This herb is healthy, low in calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals. It is helpful in removing harmful metals, like mercury, lead, and aluminum, from the body so antibiotics and medicines can work more smoothly. Nutrition Today states, “In traditional remedies, coriander was used for relief of gastrointestinal maladies, although other historical uses included as an aphrodisiac, antibiotic, a remedy for respiratory ailments, and pain, and a treatment for loss of appetite and memory.” (Singletary 2016) This herb is commonly viewed as a ‘miracle plant,’ and plays a larger medicinal role in other countries. Cilantro and coriander both are used medicinally and work to aid “antihypertensive, anti-atherogenic, antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic as well as cardioprotective effects.” (Singletary) Table 2 is an example of many ways that the Coriandrum Sativum plant has traditional uses and how it still remains to be an effective remedy and method for curing ailments. 

Cilantro, is to be believed, one of the most controversial herbs to exist. It not only has such an absurd background but there are so many different qualities and details that make up this polarizing herb. Not only can this plant provide medicinal value, but it has played a significant role in globalization, genetics, and cultural cuisine. Cilantro, a member of the parsley family, is a staple in popular cuisines from places like India, Latin America, and South Asia. During my research, I have come to love this herb even more and have earned a greater knowledge of this plant that is so popularly used in my culture. This ingredient has become and continues to be an essential and crucial part of Mexican cookery. Even though I do not like cilantro, it is so important to my culture and serves as the backbone of many Mexican dishes that I still continue to eat. It is a reminder of my family and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. My favorite dishes that contain cilantro are albondigas soup; cilantro rice; and guacamole, which are all used as a garnish in these dishes. While this may just be an herb to others, it is a reminder of where I came from. It is a reminder of how important family is to me and how food, like cilantro, can bring people together. Cilantro is a feeling, an emotion, but most importantly, it is love. Cilantro is so multifaceted and the culture, the smell, and the taste permeates my memory. Some like it, some don’t. Are you ready to enter the world of cilantro?