Coriander,herb or spice? (Coriander)

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Product:	Coriander
Date:	11/03/02 (62 review reads)
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Advantages: many uses, easily grown, all parts of plant used

Disadvantages: short shelf life as oils dry up

Coriander (coriandrum sativum)(cilantro)

This has been cultivated over 3000 years. The seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs. Hebrews made it one of the bitter herbs used in their ritual of Passover. Greeks and Romans made medicines from it. The Chinese believed it had the power to make men immortal. And the Greeks and Arabians thought of it as an aphrodisiac.

Coriander has been used historically for healing qualities as well as seasonings.

It was named after the bedbug as it emits the same unpleasant odor as the bug when mature. But once the fruits fully open the odor changes to a pleasant citrus.

It is an easy plant to grow from directly planted seed. It needs to be covered to germinate and should be up in about 6 days.
Don't over fertilize or you will get less flavor.

It is a good plant for attracting bees and pollinating insects. Coriander honey is famous for its flavor!

Harvest when the flowers and leaves become brown but before the seed falls and scatters.
Pull out the plant and hang to dry.

Medically it is a weaker herb. But the oil is said to improve memory.
The seeds can be chewed for an upset stomach or digestion. Also for bad breath which someone already mentioned.
Chew one minute and spit out!
Poultices from crushed seeds are used for pain of rheumatism.

Teas are used to dispel gas-
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of crushed seeds. Steep 10 minutes, strain and sweeten with honey.

Tea for migraines(not common headache)can be drunk twice a day.
Bring 2 cups of water and 1/2 Tablespoon of crushed seeds to a boil. Simmer 10 minutes,strain and sweeten with honey.

As a digestive aid-
1/2 teaspoon dry coriander
1/2 teaspoon of ginger or rosemary
1 teaspoon peppermint leaves
steep overnight in the refrigerator added to 1 cup of water plus a shot of vodka,strain and take as needed.

As a love potion? (Why
not?):-)
3 teaspoons crushed seeds to a bottle of wine. Seal and keep in a cool place for a week. Shake and strain and drink as needed!

Coriander in cooking-
Leaves,seeds and roots are used.
Whole seed is prefered to ground so you can grind it yourself or crush it as the oil dissapates quickly and loses flavor.
Also toasting the seeds brings out flavor but be sure not to burn them.
It is added to Indian curry spices and salsas. can be added to bread doughs before baking. And also added to cakes and cookies.

I want to share one wonderful recipe with you that I learned in an herb class. It is not low in fat! :-)

Coriander Tea Cake
1/2 cup butter
1 egg(beaten)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon crushed coriander seeds in 2 tablespoons of warmed milk.
(place dry seeds in a plastic bag and roll with a rolling pin to loosen seed coverings, then blow gently over them and most will blow away as they are so light weight)
oil and flour you loaf pan or whatever shape pan you want(not too large)

Cream the butter and sugar,add beaten egg,then the dry ingrediants saving the seeds until last.
Bake 350 degrees F for 30 minutes
Try not to eat the entire cake!:-)

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