Coriander

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Like the other spices, so coriander is available year-round in stores, providing us with its distinct aroma, reminiscent of citrus peels and sage.

The fruit of coriander plant consists of two seeds, which, when dried, turn into the pieces we use for spice. When raw, the seeds are yellow-brown in color with longitudinal stripes. Coriander is sold whole grains or in powder form.

History of coriander

Coriander is considered both a spice and an herb, as both its seeds and leaves are used to add extra flavor to dishes. Fresh leaves are better known as cilantro and have a very strong resemblance to the Italian spice parsley. But this is not surprising, since both are of the same plant species - Umbelliferae.

The name coriander comes from the Greek word koris, which literally means bug. Maybe it deserved this name because of its fragrant aroma, which it has when it is not ripe. Its Latin name is Coriandrum sativum.

Coriander is used as a spice as early as 5000 BC, making it one of the oldest spices used in the world. Coriander is considered home to the regions of the Central East and the Mediterranean, and has been known in Asian countries for thousands of years.

Today, the countries that produce coriander in commercial quantities are the Russian Federation, India, Morocco and the Netherlands. The leaves of this plant, called cilantro, are a leading spice in the culinary traditions of Latin America, India and China.

Composition of coriander

The fruits of the plant contain from 1 to 3% of essential oil, whose main ingredient is the alcohol linalool, thanks to which the specific aroma of coriander is felt. It also contains up to 20% fatty oil, up to 17% protein and small amounts of alkaloids. Some amounts of coumarins and flavonoids have been found in coriander. Coriander is a good source of dietary fiber, iron, magnesium and manganese.

Selection and storage of coriander

• Fresh coriander leaves (silantro) should look fresh, be dark green in color, without traces of yellow or brown spots;

• When you have the opportunity, buy whole coriander seeds, as the powdered ones will lose their aroma faster;

• Coriander seeds or powder should be stored in a glass container with a lid, in a cool, dark and dry place;

• Silantro can be frozen and then used for soups.

Culinary use of coriander

The whole ground part and the fruits of the plant are used in cooking. Like parsley, the green part of coriander is used as a main ingredient in salads and various meat dishes in the cuisines of the peoples who inhabit Morocco, Tunisia, Eastern Europe, India, North and Latin America.

As a spice, dried coriander fruits are used lightly roasted, but without fat, thus not losing their characteristic odor. Coriander seeds are placed at the beginning of cooking.

In the cuisine of European nations, coriander fruits are used to flavor marinades in combination with allspice, cloves and bay leaf. They are also used in the preparation of mutton dishes, and to get a stronger aroma they are combined with oregano, onion, garlic and black pepper. Coriander is also used to flavor curry.

• In a saucepan over low heat, mix vanilla soy milk, honey, coriander and cinnamon and you will get a great hot drink.

• You can make a healthy spinach sauté by adding fresh garlic and coriander.

• Add coriander to soups and baked goods.

• Use coriander when making the broth with which you will stew the fish.

• Adding coriander to pancakes or waffles will give them a real oriental flavor.

Benefits of coriander

Coriander seeds have an enviable reputation as agents that maintain our health. In some parts of Europe, it is considered a traditional "anti-diabetic" plant, and in some parts of India it is revered for its anti-inflammatory properties. In the United States, thanks to recent research, it is respected as a spice that has a cholesterol-lowering effect. Coriander is a concentrated phytonutrient spice.

Many of the above effects of coriander can be attributed to its exceptional phytonutrient content and to the active phenolic acid compounds contained therein.

Coriander has a protective effect against salmonella.

Coriander fruits stimulate the digestive system, have an appetite-stimulating and antispasmodic effect. They also have some expectorant action.

Most often coriander is used as a propellant, in lazy intestines, constipation and loss of appetite. Coriander has been shown to help treat ulcers and gastritis. Painkillers are prepared from its seeds.

Coriander tea

As already mentioned coriander has many health benefits, but let us now pay special attention to coriander seed tea. We will now enrich your knowledge of this spice by saying a few good words about the drink from it.

Benefits of coriander tea:

Helps regenerate cells and deal with skin problems faster.

Helps to smooth out pimples and other skin imperfections.

It works well for colds and flu, strengthening the immune system. Coriander seed tea is a great decoction on cold days.

It has an antibacterial effect, and this effect is felt most strongly in the oral cavity.

It is useful in the prevention of anemia.

Helps regulate menstrual pain and irregular menstruation.

Coriander seed tea is a treasure of nature that can be useful in many situations.

Coriander oil

Let's look at some of the important health benefits of coriander essential oil now.

Activates libido

Coriander essential oil can make your married life heavenly. It arouses and increases libido, as well as treats temporary impotence, frigidity, erectile dysfunction and general loss of interest in sex. It stimulates certain hormones that activate the sleeping Cupid in you.

Relieves spasms

Are you tired of the endless spasms? Can't you do your best in sports because of frequent cramps? Then it's high time to try coriander essential oil. This will relieve cramps in both limbs and intestines.

Removes gases

Coriander oil helps to easily release gases. It's a good idea to have a small teaspoon full of coriander oil and remove excess gas from your system. The product also protects against flatulence, so it will provide you with a calm stomach.

Helps purify the blood

Coriander oil cleanses the blood of toxins. Coriander helps to remove toxins from the body and make you feel better in your skin.

It dulls the painful sensations

Thanks to the components in its composition, coriander oil reduces pain. This oil has been found to be effective in treating toothache, headaches and other joint and muscle pains, as well as those resulting from injuries or collisions. Reduces pain by desensitizing the affected area.

It is refreshing

Coriander oil is a good deodorant. Reduces bad breath and removes odor from the mouth and body when used internally or externally. When consumed or ingested, the typical aroma of coriander oil mixes with sweat and fights body odor. It also helps prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth and around the sweat glands, thus fighting odor. It can be mixed with water, then applied externally or used as a mouthwash to get all these benefits.

Stimulates hormonal secretion

It stimulates various functions taking place in the body. It also fights depression and boosts your mood.

Improves digestion

Coriander oil has very good digestive properties. It provides quick relief from indigestion and flatulence.

Suppresses fungal infections

It inhibits the growth of fungi and helps treat fungal infections. This property helps to treat a number of skin diseases, most of which are caused by fungal infections. It also helps treat the symptoms of dysentery.

Coriander damage

Coriander fruits they are not poisonous, but be careful - the fresh juice of the plant has a depressing effect on the central nervous system and can cause death as a result of respiratory arrest.