The Difference Between Cilantro And Coriander

Cilantro and Coriander are different terms for the same plant, but "cilantro" is most often used to refer to the fresh herb, while "coriander" is typically used to refer to the floral spice, which happens to be the seed the plant originates from!

Just like rosemary, basil, and sage, whole cilantro plants grow well in pots right outside your kitchen and their fresh green leaves provide a source of fresh flavor for your main dish salads, pesto, and vegetable dishes. The seeds and the fresh leaves don't just tend to have different working names, but they also have very different flavor and uses, even though they come from the same source! Here's everything you need to know about cilantro, or coriander, and how to cook with and store both fresh leaves and seeds in your kitchen.

Cilantro vs. Coriander?

Cilantro is the name for the serrated leaves and stems of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum), also known as Chinese parsley. When the plant flowers and turns to seed, the aromatic, lightly floral seeds are called coriander. Cilantro is also the Spanish word for coriander. Here, learn ways to use the flavorful herb and spice from the entirely edible cilantro plant.

What Does Fresh Cilantro Taste Like?

Sometimes referred to as Chinese parsley or coriander leaves, in most grocery stores the herb is simply labeled cilantro. Cilantro leaves have a distinctive, citrusy flavor used to brighten spicy foods, such as Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American dishes and salsas. (Some people experience this herb as unpleasantly soapy. If that's you, your genes probably play a part in that.)

When cooking with fresh cilantro, or any fresh herb, it is best to add the chopped leaves and stems at the end of the recipe or sprinkled across the finished dish. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright taste to dishes with heat, like Chile-Lime Steak Skewers With Coconut Cilantro Sauce, classic Burrito Bowls, or Grilled Shrimp Tacos. Use fresh cilantro it to make cool, creamy sauces or dips like Cilantro-Lime Crema or guacamole for fresh peppery flavor.

What Do Coriander Seeds Taste Like?

The flavors of the tiny coriander seed and the cilantro leaf bear no resemblance to each other; the seeds have an aromatic flavor similar to a combination of lemon, sage, and caraway. Whole coriander seeds are used in pickling and in special drinks, such as mulled wine. Ground coriander seed is used in many baked goods, curry blends, and soups.

With citrus and robust peppery notes, coriander pairs well with warm spices like ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. It’s great in baked goods and savory dishes like Slow-Cooker Moroccan Spice London Broil or Green Chile Chicken Soup. Use coriander seeds in delightfully spiced Flank Steak with Corn-Chile Relish.

How To Use Coriander Seeds

Whole coriander seeds should be stored in a tightly sealed jar in a dark, cool spot, where they can hold onto their flavor for up one to three years. Ground coriander loses its flavor more quickly, which is why some cooks prefer to buy the seeds and grind them as needed.

To intensify the flavor of coriander seeds, toast the seeds before using. Place the seeds in a dry skillet and heat over medium heat until they become fragrant. This will take just a few minutes, so watch carefully so the seeds don't burn. Once you toast them, crush them using a mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet. Or pulse them a few times in a clean coffee grinder.

How To Store Cilantro

Storing cilantro is tricky because the delicate leaves wilt quickly and can turn into a slimy mess. A bunch of cilantro can sometimes last for up to one week in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. To keep it perky for as long as possible, remove the rubber band and place the bunch, stems down, in a glass of water (make sure to throw out any rotting leaves and stems beforehand). Cover the bunch with a plastic bag. Place in the refrigerator and change the water every two to three days.

Where to Grow Cilantro

If you have an empty windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight, you have the perfect place for an indoor herb garden. Fresh herbs not only give you an extra pop of flavor in your dishes at mealtime, but the plants also add extra color to your kitchen decor. Cilantro is easy to grow in an indoor garden. Give it plenty of sunshine and water, and pinch off leaves as needed.

If you grow cilantro in an outdoor herb garden, expect to plant it in early spring around the same time as your lettuce. Cilantro bolts quickly in hot weather, but you'll have coriander to look forward to. After the plant flowers, you can harvest the coriander seeds once they've fully dried.