This month’s featured bulk spice of the month is coriander, which is actually the seed of the cilantro plant. This herbaceous annual (Coriandrum sativum) is native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia and is related to parsley, carrots, and celery. Those who are genetically predisposed to finding cilantro to taste soapy can rest assured that coriander seeds do not taste like cilantro. They have a slightly nutty, lemony flavor and floral aroma that goes especially well with cumin.
Coriander has been used traditionally to support digestion due to its carminative (flatulence relieving) properties, often used with cardamom and caraway seeds. The seeds are also rich in antioxidants that may have immune-boosting, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
Ground coriander is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Latin dishes, curries, meats, and stews. It’s found in many spice blends such as garam masala, and the whole seeds can also be used in pickling and to flavor gin.
To use in cooking, add this spice generously at the end of the cooking cycle. Use in dips, eggs, lamb, Mexican and Indian dishes, mushrooms, pork, cream soups, rice, sausages, puddings, and even baked goods.
Find coriander in our bulk herbs department and try some the next time you make an international or warming dish!