Coriander
(Coriandrum sativum, Linn.)
Growing Coriander
seeds, soil conditions, planting and harvesting
Coriander seeds remain viable for 5-6 years and do not have the odd smell of the plant but have a rather agreeable smell and a moderately warm, pungent taste.
Coriander seeds are often sown in autumn but may also be sown in the spring. Sow coriander seeds in rows about 15 inches apart spaced 1 inch asunder and one-half inch deep. Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart.
Soil Conditions.
Coriander/cilantro grows best in light, warm, friable soil.
Planting Coriander.
Coriander is often sown with caraway. The annual coriander can be harvested without damaging the lower-growing caraway.Coriander seeds are often sown in autumn but may also be sown in the spring. Sow coriander seeds in rows about 15 inches apart spaced 1 inch asunder and one-half inch deep. Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart.
Harvest.
Coriander must be watched and cut early to prevent loss of crop and reseeding.Coriander Uses
leaves and seeds
Leaves.
The leaves of the coriander plant were once thought to be unsuitable for eating due to their strong odor and odd flavor. One early author wrote the following about coriander:Some writers say the young leaves of the plant are used in salads and for seasoning soups, dressings, etc. If this is so, I can only remark that there is no accounting for tastes. I am inclined to think, however, that these writers are drawing upon their imagination or have been "stuffed" by people who take pleasure in supplying misinformation. The odor is such as to suggest the flavor of "buggy" raspberries we sometimes gather in the fence rows. Any person who relishes buggy berries may perhaps enjoy coriander salad or soup.
Guess that author never tasted salsa.
Many in the Americas prize coriander and use it's leaves extensively in salsas and chutneys and refer to it as cilantro. Other parts of the word use coriander/cilantro leaves in curries, chutneys and rice dishes.
Seeds.
Coriander seeds are frequently used in the making of comfits and other kinds of confectionary, as a flavoring in breads, and as an ingredient in curry powder and other condiments. The seeds, have a pleasing aromatic smell which improves with time.It was used in medicines to disguise the unpleasant flavors of some drugs. The seeds are also used for flavoring several types of liquors.