Coriander: The Most Important Overview

True coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is characterized by its versatile use and is a popular spice plant in the kitchen. Although the herbaceous plant can grow wild, it is rarely found in the wild. Coriander prefers a sunny and sheltered location.

The exact origin of coriander is still not clearly established. It is likely that the origins of this umbellifer lie in the Mediterranean region. Its current distribution extends across America, North Africa, and Asia. True coriander is also cultivated in Europe, including Germany.

Its distinctive taste makes coriander a popular kitchen spice, especially giving Asian dishes their well-known flavor. Fresh, the plant is a matter of taste, with opinions divided. Not everyone likes its characteristic flavor. When dried, the aroma is noticeably milder. The same applies to the seeds of the plant.

Since ancient times, people have used true coriander as a medicinal herb, using the dried leaves or fruits. It is especially known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects as well as its positive impact on digestion. It helps with loss of appetite as well as with bloating, fullness, and diarrhea. True coriander is also said to be able to relieve cramps.

As a medicinal plant, coriander unfolds its effects as tea, extract, or oil, which can be made from its seeds, fruits, and leaves.

True coriander is full of essential oils, with coriander oil containing dodecenal – a substance whose antibacterial effect has been proven in various studies. Antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins are other components. Additionally, the leaves and seeds contain coumarins, phenolic acids, and sterols.

True coriander grows up to 80 centimeters tall. The young leaves that sprout in spring are divided into three parts and have serrated edges. In shape, they strongly resemble flat-leaf parsley. As the plant grows, the leaves become thinner and finely feathered. From June, the white to pinkish flowers grow in double umbels, from which the seeds develop in late summer.

The smell of coriander strongly resembles the odor of bugs, which is why the herb can be quite an acquired taste for the European palate. Some people even describe the taste of coriander as soapy. This perception is likely due to a genetic cause that is much more common in Europe than in Asia.