Thematic Uses Of Cilantro

Cilantro, the common green herb, is a versatile herb that provides both culinary and medicinal benefits. Some people report that cilantro tends to have a bitter, soapy flavor. Because cilantro tends to be eaten raw and used as a seasoning or garnish in many dishes, it may be hard to definitively identify whether cilantro is the cause of illness during food borne outbreaks. Anecdotal evidence does not support the hypothesis that cilantro consumption does contribute to food poisoning, although several theories remain to explain why. Cilantro may have some effect on nausea and may inhibit the growth of fungus that may cause food poisoning. In addition, the volatile oil of cilantro may contribute to the irritation of the throat and nose associated with food poisoning.

source

The delicate leaves and green stems of cilantro are used in many Mexican dishes, including Mexican chili, burritos, nachos, and beverages such as beer. Fresh cilantro can also be added to cold soups and stews and may be used as an appetizer or in combination with another herb, such as parsley. Parsley may have similar effects on the digestive tract as cilantro but is not considered as often used as cilantro due to the fact that parsley is not easily stored when harvested.

Both the leaves and stems of cilantro have strong flavors with a mustard-like flavor. When cooking, only the stems of the cilantro are cooked; the leaves, which contain more flavor, are often discarded. Many people enjoy the taste of cilantro. Although parsley is often included in casseroles and sauces, cilantro can also be used in the classic Chinese herb arrangement of flowers, vegetables, meats, and spices as well as being the base for a delicious Asian vegetable dish called dim sum. Because of its strong flavor, cilantro tends to be a more expensive spice than other herbs in the kitchen. However, its milder taste in comparison to parsley makes it cost effective for use in a variety of recipes.

source

Coriander seeds are sometimes used as a filler in recipes. Coriander is often used fresh in Mexican salsa and is thought to have originated in the south of Mexico. Other uses for coriander seeds are in salsas, stir fries, and pinto-sauce.

Unlike most other herbs, cilantro contains the seed coat, or leaves, and not the stem end. The small green leaves are dark green and contain numerous black veins. The smaller yellow star-shaped flowers are the taste most commonly found in cilantro. These flowers are larger than the green flowers and contain five to nine oval-shaped black seeds. These black seeds are commonly used in soups and stews in place of the star-shaped ones.

Although many people associate cilantro with Mexican food, this herb can also be found in the Italian cooking and in the Greek culture. Cilantro can be found in the healthiest of fresh salads, as well as in stir fries, sauces, and garlic spreads. In addition, fresh basil is frequently added to dishes as an herb. Fresh basil can even be used in place of parsley in a sandwich to freshen up a dish without losing the crispiness of the parsley.

source

It is believed that cilantro was cultivated in India, though historical documents do not support this theory. Ancient Indian traders brought this spice from China to the Americas as part of their trade, but they were not widely used in Indian and Latin American dishes until the twentieth century. Because of the wide distribution of this aromatic and flavorful herb, it is grown in almost every state in the U.S. Today, cilantro is grown in California, Texas, and Illinois.

While cilantro may not have the flavor and flair of basil, it does make for a tastier and juicier substitute. Most people find that when they pair it with other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, or garlic that the taste difference is noticeable. While this herb is typically associated with Mexican dishes or Latin American food, cilantro is just as welcome in most American kitchens. Instead of using parsley on your baked potatoes, try a spiced potato bake with cilantro. You may be surprised at how enjoyable this herb is.