Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L) is part of the Apiaceae family, which contains 3,700 species, including carrots, celery, and parsley. All parts of the plant are edible, but people most commonly use the fresh leaves and dried seeds in cooking. Cilantro has been a part of global cuisine for hundreds of years.
*Did you know that Cilantro is a good source of antioxidants. Using cilantro to flavor food may encourage people to use less salt and reduce their sodium intake.
Preparation and uses.
Cilantro is a tender herb that has gentle leaves. These are best to add either raw or near the end of the cooking process. This helps them maintain their flavor and texture. Cilantro is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in small pots on a sunny windowsill, making it a sustainable, flavorsome herb. Watters Garden Center in Prescott, AZ has cilantro plants that would work perfect in your home kitchen window.
Including cilantro in a meal is a great way to add flavor to a dish or beverage without adding extra calories, fat, or sodium. Yes, that is correct –“beverage” to include: Water, pineapple juice, tomato juice (bloody mary)
When preparing cilantro, separate the leaves from the stems and only use the leaves. Use a sharp knife or herb shears and cut them gently. Cutting with a dull knife or over chopping them will bruise the herb, and much of the flavor will end up on the cutting board surface.
Cilantro pairs well with many dishes, especially Mexican and Thai meals. It also works well with dishes that contain beans, cheese, eggs, and fish. The herb is also great with creamy vegetable dips and as a topping or garnish for soups and salads
People use cilantro as a flavorsome addition to soups, salads, curries, and other dishes. In the United States, cilantro refers to the leaves, and coriander refers to the seeds. Its nutritional content may provide a range of health benefits.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L) is part of the Apiaceae family, which contains 3,700 species, including carrots, celery, and parsley. All parts of the plant are edible, but people most commonly use the fresh leaves and dried seeds in cooking.
*Did you know that Cilantro is a good source of antioxidants. Using cilantro to flavor food may encourage people to use less salt and reduce their sodium intake. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277627Cilantro Storage Life
Preserving Cilantro in the Refrigerator
Preserving cilantro in the refrigerator is the simplest way to keep the herbs fresh, and it takes only minutes. The combination of cool temperature and water prevents the leaves from getting soft and discolored too soon. Avoid storing cilantro on the countertop or in a sealed container in the fridge to prevent the leaves from wilting and getting soggy.
It’s not a good idea to store cilantro on the kitchen counter since these herbs only last two to four hours at room temperature.
Placing them in the refrigerator keeps them fresh for up to ten days, and storing cilantro in the freezer prolongs its shelf life up to six months. Cilantro stored in olive oil lasts up to one month in the refrigerator.
I encourage you to experiment with cilantro in your own recipes, as it is a versatile herb that makes a delicious addition to many meals.
Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events uses a wide variety of herbs and spices in our recipes.
Please enjoy the following recipe, Cilantro Pesto. Lovely for bread, crackers and lavish. Great with vegetables, seafood and pasta.