Herbs > Coriander Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow coriander:

Name
Coriandrum sativum.

Family
Umbelliferae.

History
An ancient spice used for meat preservation. It has historically been used as a flavouring for food and to disguise the taste of unpleasant medicine.

Growing pattern
Annual.

Seeds
Buy Coriander Seeds (Organic and Non-Organic) from The Green Chronicle (Pay in $US, £, Euro).
Herbs, Seasonings, Seeds and Spices - Buy Coriander Seed from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
Coriander can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in early spring where the plants are required. Thin the seedlings to 30cm apart.

Soil condition/position
Coriander likes a rich soil in full sun and it needs a long growing season to make sure that the seeds will ripen. In late summer the seeds turn a light greyish brown the plants can be cut down. Leave the seed heads in a dry airy place for 2-3 days. Shake off the seeds and store in a screw-top jar.

Appearance
Tough stemmed upright plant with ferny leaves. Small white or pink flowers appear in mid-summer and are followed by round, brown seed capsules.

Uses
Coriander seeds are used in pickles and in curries. They are used to add flavour to cream cheese, biscuits and cakes and are an ingredient of curry powder. Sometimes they are used in gingerbread.

See also Coriander Cilantro