What is Coriander? 

When someone asks, what is coriander it can be confusing. This is because coriander seeds are produced by the plant most of us know as cilantro. The scientific name for cilantro is coriandrum sativum and is how many herbalists refer to this plant's seeds.

What is Coriander?Coriander Seeds

What is Coriander in Tea?

Confusing as it may be fresh cilantro leaves are often a primary ingredient in spicy dishes and salsas, while coriander seeds are more often used in beverages both hot and cold. Often combined with cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and cloves to create Yogi Tea, coriander seeds provide nutrition and health benefits as well as a tasty beverage.


Relaxing teas can be created at home using many spices that are on hand. Combining one quarter teaspoon of cardamom, coriander and fennel seeds steeped in two cups of boiling water and sweetened to taste provides a relaxing cup of tea that may relax tense muscles while relieving stress. All three of these spices are considered to be carminative in nature, which means they can be beneficial to digestion.


What is Coriander Fresh?

About one teaspoon of the fresh coriander plant contains only one calorie and yet provides 5% of the daily requirement of vitamin A, 15% of vitamin K and 1% of potassium, manganese, vitamin E and folate acid while providing almost 2% of the required amounts of calcium and vitamin C. That is a lot of nutrition for such a small amount and when you consider that many salsa recipes require up to one cup of fresh coriander, also known as cilantro, eating healthier will be easy.


All parts of the coriander plant are edible so when you ask, what is coriander consider how many other valuable assets this easily grown plant contains. Cilantro can be grown indoors and out in all agricultural zones from seed to seed takes about six weeks and while the plant is growing you can harvest the leaves to eat raw or added to salads, sandwiches, soups plus it is easily dried for later use.

What is Coriander Health?

This plant has shown great promise as an alternative therapy for the treatment of high cholesterol and menstrual disorders. Coriander contains many flavonoids including quercitin, rhamnetin and epigenin plus phenolic compounds all of which are anti-oxidants that help the body heal itself.


Coriander is a safe, effective, natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent which can help fight athlete's foot, fungal nail infections and prevent infections from occurring. Soaking coriander seeds in water or oil allows the beneficial compounds to be applied directly onto the affected area and a weak solution of water and crushed  coriander seeds help soothe conjunctivitis. Additionally overeating, flatulence and stomach aches often respond to mild coriander tea. Research is currently underway that may lead to an alternative treatment for food poisoning and prevention due to the natural anti-bacterial properties of this plant.


What is Coriander Beauty?

Include cosmetics and skin care products when thinking about coriander

  • The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties allow the crushed seeds soaked in water or oil to help combat acne.

  • Ground coriander can be added to yogurt creating a healthy, pimple fighting nutritious facial.

  • Soaking coriander seeds in sunflower, almond or olive oil results in an oil that can be used to soothe skin tissues, especially those that are healing from injury or sunburn.

Choosing to eat better and improve health may be as easy as adding a cup of homemade yogi tea to your daily routine or perhaps a fresh salad created with vegetables and spices you have grown in your back yard.

HOMEMADE SALSA RECIPE

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Large onion finely chopped
  • 1 Cup diced green bell pepper
  • ½ Teaspoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
  • 4 Cloves minced garlic
  • 7 Cups peeled seeded tomatoes
  • 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • ¾ Teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 Tablespoons ground coriander

Heat oil in a large stainless steel saucepan over low heat.

Add onion and cook until soft (about 7 minutes) stirring occasionally.

Stir in bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic; cook 4 minutes until peppers are soft.

Stir in tomatoes, salt vinegar, coriander and cumin; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered about 8 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Set off heat and let cool.

NOTE: Cover and refrigerate to store for up to 1 week. For longer storage place in clean ½ pint jars with canning lids. PROCESS IN HOT WATER BATH FOR 10 MINUTES.

CREAM OF CILANTRO SOUP WITH BLACK BEAN SALSA

Soup:

  • ½ Cup butter
  • ½ Cup chopped fresh cilantro divided
  • 1 Medium chopped onion
  • 2 Stalks chopped celery
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 Clove minced garlic
  • 2 Jalapeno peppers seeded and chopped
  • ½ Cup flour
  • 7 ½ Cups chicken broth
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Cups heavy cream
  • 1 Cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Black bean salsa

Mel butter in large pot over medium heat.

Add ¼ Cup cilantro, onion, celery, cumin, garlic and jalapeno; cook and stir until tender about 7 minutes.

Add flour stirring and cooking until mixture is golden brown.

Add the broth while stirring rapidly until blended; add bay leaf.

Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

Stir in black pepper and heavy cream; cook 5 minutes longer.

Pour mixture through a wire strainer into a bowl discarding solid material.

Add cheese and remaining ¼ cup chopped cilantro.

Pour soup into individual bowls; garnish with a spoonful of black bean salsa.

BLACK BEAN SALSA RECIPE

  • 1 Can (16 ounces) black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 Large tomato seeded and chopped
  • ½ Cup chopped purple onion
  • 4 Green onions chopped
  • ½ Teaspoon coriander
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Combine and blend all ingredients EXCEPT cilantro; spoon cilantro on top.

Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Knowing what is coriander allows you more healthy food and beverage choices, skin care options and a safe easy way for you to eat your vitamins.