Cilantro
Cilantro is the leafy herb of the plant *Coriandrum sativum*, in the parsley family.
Cilantro is the fresh leafy herb from the plant *Coriandrum sativum*, widely used in global cuisines. In Canada, it's the leaves and stems, while the dried seeds are called coriander.
What it is
Cilantro is an annual herb in the parsley family (Apiaceae). The same plant produces both cilantro leaves and coriander seeds, which have different culinary uses. In North American English, including Canadian English, 'cilantro' refers to the fresh leaves and stems.
Why it matters
Cilantro adds bright, citrusy flavour to dishes like salsa, guacamole, curries, and soups. It's a staple in Mexican, Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking. Some people perceive it as soapy due to genetic differences in taste receptors, which affects how it's used in recipes.
Key details
Cilantro is best used fresh or added near the end of cooking. It provides modest amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants. Common substitutes include parsley, Thai basil, or dill. In Canada, cilantro is widely available in supermarkets and used in fusion cooking.
In short
- Cilantro is the fresh leaves and stems of *Coriandrum sativum*.
- In Canada, cilantro means leaves; coriander means seeds.
- Some people find it soapy due to genetics.
- Common in Mexican, Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes.
Cilantro is widely available in Canadian supermarkets and is commonly used in Mexican, South Asian, Caribbean, and fusion cooking across Canada. In Canadian English, usage generally follows North American conventions: cilantro for the leaves and coriander for the seeds.
Quick questions
What is the difference between cilantro and coriander?
Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?
What is a good substitute for cilantro?
Sources
- Food Gardening Network - Mequoda — https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/introduction/introduction-to-cilantro/Supports: Cilantro as an annual aromatic herb; botanical name *Coriandrum sativum*; family Apiaceae.
- Colorado State University — https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/fsi/food-articles/produce/cilantro/Supports: Cilantro is *Coriandrum sativum*; leaves and seeds are commonly used; cilantro usually means leaves and coriander the seeds; soapy taste perception.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cilantroSupports: Definition of cilantro as leaves of coriander used as flavoring or garnish.
- Medical News Today — https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277627Supports: Cilantro used in soups, salads, curries; coriander refers to seeds in U.S. usage; antioxidant content and edible parts.
- Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cilantro-vs-corianderSupports: Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant; regional naming differences.
- WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cilantroSupports: Cilantro as leaves in U.S. usage; culinary use and medicinal claims lacking strong evidence.
- University of Wisconsin Extension — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/cilantro-coriander-coriandrum-sativum/Supports: Leaves are cilantro; seeds are coriander; fast-growing annual plant.
- Utah State University Extension — https://extension.usu.edu/nutrition/research/cilantroSupports: Cilantro also called Chinese parsley and fresh coriander; used in Mexican, Asian, and Caribbean cooking.