what is cilantro

Cilantro is an herb from the plant Coriandrum sativum, which belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in Latin American, Asian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cuisines. The term "cilantro" usually refers to the fresh leaves and stems of the plant, which have a bright, vegetal, and slightly citrusy flavor. In contrast, the dried seeds of the same plant are called coriander and used as a spice. Cilantro is also known as Mexican parsley or Chinese parsley and has a tender leaf texture best used fresh or added near the end of cooking to retain aroma and flavor. Nutritionally, cilantro is low in calories, fats, and cholesterol but rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, and various minerals. It is sometimes used not only for flavor but also for potential health benefits, including digestion aid and antioxidant properties. Interestingly, a portion of the population perceives cilantro to taste soapy or unpleasant, which is due to genetic variation. In summary, cilantro is the leafy green herb from the coriander plant used mainly fresh for flavor, while coriander generally refers to the seeds used as a spice.