The Greek word koríandron passed into Latin as coriandrum , which in turn came to our language as coriander or coriander. It is an herb that is used as a condiment .
Coriander belongs to the family group of umbellifers or Apiaceae . Its stem can measure up to eighty centimeters in height, presenting filiform leaves at the top and toothed at the bottom. The plant has reddish flowers and produces small, aromatic fruits.
Coriander leaves are generally consumed fresh, while the seeds and fruits are used when dried. The leaves are usually chopped or cut into very small pieces to add to the dish when serving. When fresh, cilantro is not cooked as heat changes its flavor and fragrance.
Cilantro leaves are also used to make guacamole and salsa verde or to season stews, meats, soups, salads and other preparations. As for the fruits, seeds and even dry leaves, it is common for them to be ground to use in the preparation of breads, sausages and other products .
Cilantro is increasingly used in cooking because it is considered to bring with it a long list of advantages, among which we can highlight the following:
-It is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties.
-It is very useful to be able to end nausea, whether because you are pregnant or because you have any illness.
-It is believed that it is useful to improve what is called good cholesterol.
-It is very appropriate to reduce and even eliminate cramps suffered during menstruation.
-It has antioxidant properties.
-Cilantro is also useful to reduce the risks of suffering from a urinary tract infection.
-It is a useful food to avoid or end anemia. Yes, because it provides the body with significant amounts of iron.
-It also improves and strengthens the immune system.
To all this we must add that it is useful for slowing down the aging of the eyes, that it relieves conjunctivitis, that it reduces the amount of sugar in the blood and that it helps to eliminate eczema and fungus. It also helps eliminate bad breath, prevents oral ulcers and is even a great product to provide the body with various vitamins, especially type C.
It is advised that women who are expecting a child consult their doctor beforehand whether or not they can take cilantro. And there are some studies that establish that taken in a certain amount can cause complications to pregnancy and even cause abortion.
It is important to mention that there are several plants that are often called cilantro. One of them has the scientific name of Coriandrum sativum : the only species of the tribe Coriandreae and the genus Coriandrum .
Eryngium foetidum , which is known as ground coriander , culantro or maroon , is a plant native to the American continent that is very similar to the species Coriandrum sativum .
Anthriscus cerefolium ( cerefolio or chervil ) and Oenanthe crocata ( devil's turnip or wild celery ) are also called coriander in some regions .