Coriandrum sativum

An easy-to-grow hardy annual. Growing to a height of 2 ft, it prefers a sunny position and light, rich soil. Its lower leaves are bright green and look similar to flat-leaved parsley, while the upper leaves are more feathery, with small, pinkish-white flowers. This is one of the oldest herbs, grown mainly for its seeds which have a mild flavor. However, until the seeds ripen, the whole plant has an unpleasant smell. For this reason, it is best not to grow it too close to the kitchen door! The leaves have a sharp taste and can be added to green salads and vegetable dishes.

Cilantro originally comes from the East and was introduced to Europe by the Romans. It is still widely used in the cooking of India and Thailand.

Cilantro is used in medicine mainly to disguise unpleasant tastes.

Cilantro is widely cultivated in Peru and is used to flavor many local dishes, including a soup made from its leaves.

Legends: In ancient times the Chinese believed one of the powers of cilantro was immortality.