It belongs to the most popular herbs known since antiquity for its healing action. It has a characteristic aroma and taste, while its leaves and fruits are used in cooking, drugs and confectionery.
It is one of the most famous Mediterranean spices with medicinal properties known since ancient times.
Coriander is a flavorful herb that is widely used in world cuisine.
In the United States, the seeds of Coriandrum sativum are referred to as coriander, while the leaves are referred to as cilantro.
They are known as coriander seeds and coriander leaves in other parts of the world. Additionally, the plant is referred to as Chinese parsley.
The reason for the coriander or Coriandrum sativum) which belongs to the family Apiaceae and is both fragrant and spicy. It is traditionally considered the protector of the digestive system.
The strong antimicrobial action of coriander, as well as many other spices, has even been measured. Cornell University biologists have made an interesting classification of spices based on their antimicrobial activity. The classification included (starting with the strongest antimicrobials): spice, cinnamon, cumin, mustard seeds, coriander, nutmeg, cardamom and pepper (white and black).
The special taste, the heavy smell and the health benefits of coriander are due to the number of chemical compounds it contains. Also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, E, K, β-carotene, lutein zeaxanthin, coriander, fats, proteins, coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, chlorogenic acid and caffeine.
Its leaves are rich in flavonoids with antioxidant activity, such as quercetin, campferol, ramnetin and epigenin.
Coriander along with oregano (carvacrol), rosemary, turmeric, laurel, basil and garlic belong to the aromatic and medicinal plants that act against microorganisms, which makes them natural food preservatives.
In fact, studies of the herb have shown that it contains antioxidants that can delay or prevent food spoilage if seasoned with this spice.
In traditional medicine, coriander has been used to relieve anxiety and insomnia, while laboratory experiments confirm its anxiolytic properties.
Coriander seeds are used as a diuretic and as a digestive, while they are considered to have expectorant and sedative properties. It is also reported to lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as blood pressure.
In the market, you can find it in seeds and powder, while fresh coriander in bunches is a bit more scarce.
