Coriander - a spice with a sweet woody aroma and peppery and floral notes

Coriandrum sativum

A few plants yield both leaves and seeds as a spice used in cuisines worldwide, and coriander is undoubtedly the most commonly used spice in both forms.

As a spice, coriander is cultivated in Eastern Europe, India, the USA, Central America, as well as in its native habitat in Western Asia and the Mediterranean. It is abundantly used in all these regions, sometimes in combination with the leaf, known as cilantro.

Whole round Moroccan coriander seeds are much more prevalent than the oval Indian ones, but the Indian ones are sweeter.

Coriander seeds are fragile and easily ground in a mortar.

FLAVOR OF CORIANDER

A ripe seed has a sweet woody aroma with peppery and floral notes, the taste is sweet, mild, and warm with a distinct hint of orange.

USED dried coriander seeds, coriander powder, coriander leaves.

BUYING AND STORING CORIANDER

Coriander is readily available. Buy whole seeds. They are easily crushed as needed, but their aromatic properties quickly dissipate after grinding. They can last for years in a tightly closed container.

CULINARY USE OF CORIANDER

Chefs use coriander in larger quantities than other spices due to its mild flavor. After dry-roasting in a pan, coriander serves as a base for many curry and masala blends.

North African chefs use it in harissa, tabil, ras el hanout. In the Middle East, coriander is used in baharat blends, and it is popular as a seasoning for vegetable dishes, stews, and sausages. In Europe and the USA, coriander is used as a spice in pickles, chutneys. It is an integral part of the English mixed sweet spice mixture used in cakes and cookies.

Its taste pairs well with autumn fruits, apples, plums, pears, quinces – roasted or in compote.

IMPORTANT for harissa, tabil, dukku, and most masalas.

GOOD WITH apples, chicken, citrus, fish, ham, mushrooms, onions, plums, pork, potatoes.

COMBINES WELL with allspice, chili, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger, mace, nutmeg.