Cilantro

Cilantro is a tender fresh herb with a bright, citrusy flavor used widely in Mexican, South Asian, Southeast Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cooking.

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How it compares to Parsley

Cilantro is more aromatic and citrusy than the parsley it resembles. Its stems are tender and flavorful enough to chop straight into sauces and marinades.

Storage & handling

Wash carefully because soil can hide among the leaves and stems, then dry well.
Store upright in a jar with a little water and loosely cover in the refrigerator.
Add near the end of cooking when you want its freshest flavor.

Good to know

Cilantro and coriander are the same plant the fresh leaves are 'cilantro,' and the dried seeds are the spice 'coriander.'
To some people cilantro tastes like soap, and it's genetic: a variation in a smell-receptor gene makes them detect its aroma as soapy.
It's one of the world's most widely used herbs, central to Mexican, Indian, Southeast Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cooking.

3 Ways to Cook Cilantro

Cilantro-Mint ChutneyA vivid, spicy green sauce for grilled food, rice, sandwiches, or samosas.+

Ingredients

2 packed cups cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 cup mint leaves
1 small green chile
1 inch ginger
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt
2 to 4 tablespoons water

Instructions

Wash and dry the cilantro and mint.
Place all ingredients except water in a blender.
Blend while adding just enough water to form a smooth sauce.
Taste and adjust lime, chile, and salt.
Refrigerate and use within several days.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appétit

Cilantro-Lime RiceFluffy rice finished with lime and fresh cilantro.+

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water or broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1 lime
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Rinse the rice until the water is mostly clear.
Combine rice, water, salt, and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and rest covered for 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and fold in lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

Creamy Cilantro-Lime DressingA tangy green dressing for salads, tacos, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.+

Ingredients

1 cup cilantro
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 small garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt
Water as needed

Instructions

Put cilantro, yogurt, oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Add water a teaspoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust lime and salt.
Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe adapted from Love and Lemons

Want Cilantro in your box?

Every Belle Nature CSA box is grown in Farmington, MN, harvested within 24 hours of delivery, and comes with recipes like these. Order one-time, weekly, or biweekly for the Twin Cities cancel anytime.

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A CSA farm in Farmington, MN delivering farm-fresh, seasonal vegetable boxes across Minneapolis, St. Paul & the Twin Cities metro.

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