Why Cilantro? Both the gray-green leaves and the aromatic seeds of coriandrum (Coriandrum sativa), but these days the sweet smelling dried green above ground parts are known as cilantro herb. Both offer a number of unique health benefits. Here are 10 points of interest of Cilantro.
Is Cilantro Herb good for digestion and food absorption? It certainly is! It is used in a wide range of cuisines from Mexican to Italian to Chinese and also in the preparation of sauces and stews for a variety of dishes. You can add a tiny bit of cilantro to your stir fry, add it to baked potatoes or carrots, or grate it onto pasta and rice for an easy way to add herbs. In fact, it can be added to just about any food that you cook in a pan or use in the oven, with the addition of a little olive oil.
How can I grow cilantro? Well, that depends on the kind of cilantro that you’re growing. If you want to grow cilantro for culinary uses then you should plant it in a sunny location away from too much shade or frost. The Mediterranean region in countries such as Greece and Italy is full of citrus fruits and vegetables and cilantro is one of those. In the southern United States you’ll find cilantro growing everywhere, and it’s often used in barbeque recipes, as well as in other hot and spicy cuisines.
What kind of a herb is this? It’s a perennial herb that comes equipped with several spring-like flowers on a short stem. The beautiful yellow flowers are actually the petals that attract insects that come to the herb’s leafy green leaves. This low growing perennial herb has been a favorite crop of early gardeners for as long as anyone can remember. When grown in pots, it will grow for about four years before it falls off to form the long thin stalks we get at the end of summer.
Why should you grow this herb? Because it’s tasty, easy to grow and an excellent choice for culinary use. Growing it from seed is an excellent idea because it will produce a lot more leaves than you might need if you grow it from its perennials. Planting it in a sunny window box or in a partially shaded area is also an excellent idea since it will thrive even in some of the hottest states in the country.
Where can you grow cilantro? The best place to grow cilantro is in a sunny but partially shaded corner of your garden. Planting it in a container is a great way to get it started because then you have the option of putting the plant into a hole and moving it if you find that the soil is not draining properly. If you are growing cilantro from coriander seeds, be sure to use a coriander seed drill to make sure that your holes are well drained before starting to plant.
How do you prepare the cilantro? Most recipes call for it to be sauteed, but for something different try grilling, boiling, or even frying the green leaves. You will also find that it goes great with Mexican foods like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. You can dress it up by garnishing it with cilantro, onions, and bell pepper. Another great way to add flavor is to serve it with rice, pasta, or even just with vegetables.
What should you store in your garden when it comes time to harvest the herbs? A good way to store your cilantro is in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, which can dry out the leaves. If you plan to move your herb container soon, put the small, green leaves in a plastic baggy to help preserve the flavor of the leaves. If you plan to put your cilantro harvest into the refrigerator, remove the green leaves to allow the herbs to dry out a bit before storing them.