The coriander is an extremely important spice. The seeds grow on a thin stemmed small plant. In many homes, coriander is grown in a little tub on the window sill. In schools too, as part of Biology projects, coriander is grown in the class. All you need are the seeds, and a bed of soil. The plant has a very pleasant aroma. The leaves add an almost magical flavor to any dish you put it in. The fruit too has a very delicate fragrance.
The Coriandrum sativam belongs to the Apiaceae family. In the United States, it is known as Cilantro. The coriander is commonly found in Southwestern Asia, and North Africa. It is an annual or biennial herb. The plant was first cultivated in Egypt over 3500 years ago. The ancient Greeks used this as a remedy for all kinds of ailments.
Romans used coriander in the preservation of meat. The word coriander comes from the Greek word 'koris' which means 'bug'. Coriander is related to the caraway, fennel, dill and anise seeds. Every part of the plant is used in cooking. The leaves and the stems are used both in cooking and in garnishing. They give a lovely flavor and aroma.
The chopped leaves and stems when used as garnishing make any dish look attractive. The seeds can be powdered as they are, or they can be roasted and then powdered. Coriander powder forms the base of all curries. This is what adds the body to a curry, along with the taste. The seeds can be dry roasted with dried red chillies, or they can also be roasted with the chillies in a drop of oil. Either way the flavor is great.
Medicinally, coriander seeds have a lot of value. They are used as a carminative, diuretic, against seasonal fever, stomach disorders and nausea. In folk medicine, coriander has been used successfully for relief of anxiety. Iranian folk medicine reposes great faith in the coriander seeds. Coriander is used effectively in pickling vegetables, making sausages in Germany and South Africa.
In Russia and Central Europe, coriander seeds are used in rye bread as an alternative to caraway seeds occasionally. Coriander seeds are also used in brewing certain styles of beer. In many meat dishes, when coriander seeds are used, there is no need to use chilli powder at all. The coriander gives it the flavor. It is absolutely amazing how a tiny little seed can add so much zing to a dish. It would be good to remember that though the powder form is available in the market, it is always better to grind what you need just before cooking.
The coriander is an extremely important spice. The seeds grow on a thin stemmed small plant. In many homes, coriander is grown in a little tub on the window sill. In schools too, as part of Biology projects, coriander is grown in the class. All you need are the seeds, and a bed of soil. The plant has a very pleasant aroma. The leaves add an almost magical flavor to any dish you put it in. The fruit too has a very delicate fragrance.
