Cilantro is a popular herb with wide delicate lacy green leaves and a pungent flavor. The seed of the cilantro plant is known as coriander. Although cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, their flavors are very different and can’t substitute for each other. (Some countries refer to the cilantro as coriander, so any references to "fresh coriander" or "coriander leaves" refer to cilantro.)
All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the most commonly used in cooking. Coriander is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, South Asian, Mexican, Latin American, Chinese, African and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Cilantro is easily confused with flat-leaf parsley in appearance, so be sure to sniff carefully. Look for a bunch with unwilted leaves in medium green. Found fresh year round in most markets. Cilantro is available year-round.
How to select and store cilantro
Look for bright green leaves and crisp, perky stems. At home, you can store bunch cilantro in the refrigerator for several days if you put the cut ends in a jar of water and cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag; change the water every 2 days. Store pre-washed cilantro in the refrigerator, sealed tightly in its original bag.
Tips for using cilantro
Cilantro is widely used in many world cuisines because it pairs very well with a wide range of flavors, from avocado and tomatoes to chicken, fish, lamb, shellfish and more. It’s a flavorful addition to vegetable dishes and salads; its signature grassy note lets condiments like mayonnaise and yogurt simply bloom.
Why choose organic cilantro?
Choose organic cilantro to help keep conventional agricultural chemical residues out of your food. At Earthbound Farm, we grow our cilantro without toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, using sustainable farming methods that protect the environment and help keep pesticides out of our soil, air, water and food supply. Organic food is the healthiest choice for people and the planet — and we think organic cilantro tastes better, too!
WhatsOnMyFood.org from the Pesticide Action Network shows you searchable results for cilantro and a wide range of other organic and conventional foods. It’s an easy-to-use and empowering tool for learning about pesticide residues and their health effects for all of us.
