Coriander

Coriander, commonly known as hara dhaniya in local terms and Coriandrum sativum in scientific terms, is an aromatic herb native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is part of the Apiaceae family, which contains 3,700 species, including carrots, celery, and parsley.

It is the most versatile ingredient as all parts of the plant are edible, but people most commonly use the fresh leaves and dried seeds in cooking. Cilantro has been a part of global cuisine for a long time.It is also popular as cilantro or Chinese parsley. The coriander leaves are used for garnishing and other culinary purposes.  

According to a Bangalore-based nutritionist Anju Sood, “Coriander is a natural aphrodisiac, a great source of dietary fiber, magnesium and iron.”It is also a good source of antioxidants. Using cilantro to flavor food may encourage people to use less salt and reduce their sodium intake. 

Benefits:

1.Help lower blood sugar: Lower blood sugar by activating certain enzymes.

2.Rich in immune-boosting antioxidants: Full of antioxidants that demonstrate immune-boosting, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

3.Benefit heart health: Protect your heart by lowering blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. A spice-rich diet appears to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

4.Protect brain health: The antioxidants in coriander may reduce brain inflammation, improve memory, and reduce anxiety symptoms, though more research is needed.

5.Promote digestion and gut health: Coriander may reduce unpleasant digestive symptoms like bloating and discomfort often experienced by people with irritable bowel syndrome. It may also boost appetite among some people.

6.May fight infections: Coriander exhibits antimicrobial effects that may help fight foodborne illnesses and pathogens like Salmonella.

Serving way:

• Use in all types of curries, pickles, chutneys and sauces.

• Sprinkle over fresh salads.

• Use to flavour soups, carrot and coriander is quite popular.

• Use to flavour homemade bread, waffles and scones.

• Coriander is used as an ingredient for some cakes and biscuits including gingerbread.

• Use to add flavour to creamed cheese or mayonnaise.

• Use to garnish meat, fish or vegetable dishes.

• Use in meatballs, meat or vegetable burgers and other homemade dishes.

• Add to stocks and gravies.

• Use in marinades, particularly for meat and fish.

• Coriander goes very well with mushrooms.

• Use to spice up stir-fries and bland vegetables such as spinach.