Everything you need to know about cilantro
Cilantro is probably the most emotional herb. Some love it, others hate it. Today, we're getting to the bottom of the cilantro myth and answering all your questions. After this, you'll be a cilantro expert.
What is cilantro used for?
Cilantro is a versatile herb used in many cuisines worldwide. In Asian cuisine, cilantro is a staple in curries, soups, and salads. In Mexican cuisine, cilantro is often used in salsas and guacamole. Cilantro also finds its place in Mediterranean cuisine, for example in salads and marinades. Both the leaves and the seeds of cilantro are used. The leaves, often added as fresh herbs, give dishes a fresh, citrusy flavor. The seeds, on the other hand, have a warm, nutty aroma and are often ground and used in spice blends.
You can find recipe ideas in the urbanhive app and a selection of recipes on our recipe page.
Why is cilantro so healthy?
Cilantro is not only a delicious herb but also very healthy. It contains many important nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, as well as iron and potassium. In addition, cilantro has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radicals. Cilantro is also said to have anti-inflammatory effects and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is even claimed that cilantro can promote digestion and have a detoxifying effect, as it helps remove heavy metals from the body.
Comparison of Vitamin C content
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in strengthening the immune system. Here is a comparison of the vitamin C content of cilantro with lemons:
- Cilantro: About 27 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams.
- Lemons: About 53 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams.
Although lemons contain twice as much Vitamin C as cilantro, cilantro is still a good source of this important vitamin and can contribute to meeting daily needs.
Health benefits of cilantro
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Cilantro contains compounds such as cineol and linoleic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce chronic inflammation.
- Digestive aid: Cilantro is traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve bloating. It can also stimulate the production of digestive juices and enzymes.
- Blood sugar control: Studies have shown that cilantro can help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.
- Detoxification: Cilantro is said to help remove heavy metals such as mercury and lead from the body by binding to these toxins and promoting their excretion.
- Antimicrobial properties: Cilantro has antimicrobial properties that can help fight certain bacteria and fungi.
What is the difference between cilantro and parsley?
At first glance, cilantro and parsley may look similar, but they differ significantly in taste and aroma. Cilantro leaves have a characteristic, strong scent and taste, often described as "soapy," while parsley has a mild, fresh taste. Botanically, both plants belong to the carrot family, but they come from different genera. Cilantro leaves are broader and softer than the usually narrower and firmer leaves of flat-leaf parsley. The seeds of both plants are also used differently and have different aromas.
As you've probably realized by now, the top is cilantro and the bottom is flat-leaf parsley.
What is special about cilantro?
Cilantro is special due to its versatility and unique taste. The plant provides both aromatic leaves and flavorful seeds that can be used in cooking. Another interesting feature of cilantro is that it evokes polarizing opinions: some people love its intense taste, while others find it unpleasant. This difference in taste perception is genetically determined, as certain people have a higher sensitivity to certain aldehydes in cilantro that cause the "soapy" taste.
Why is cilantro loved by some and hated by others? The cilantro gene
The love or hatred of cilantro is a well-known phenomenon. It is believed that the aversion to cilantro has genetic causes, explaining why cilantro can evoke such strongly polarizing opinions.
The gene variant responsible for whether cilantro tastes soapy to someone or not is the OR6A2 gene. This gene codes for an olfactory receptor that is particularly sensitive to aldehydes, chemical compounds also found in soap and some insect repellents. People with a specific variant of this gene perceive the taste of cilantro as soapy.
Why is cilantro so rarely found in supermarkets?
Cilantro is a versatile and healthy herb that is valued in many cuisines worldwide. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to find in some supermarkets. There are several reasons why cilantro is offered less frequently than other herbs.
1. Short shelf life
Cilantro has a relatively short shelf life. The leaves wilt quickly and lose their aroma, which makes it difficult for supermarkets to keep fresh cilantro in stock for long. To ensure quality is maintained, supermarkets need to reorder and sell cilantro more frequently, which can be logistically challenging.
2. Seasonal availability
Cilantro grows best in cooler seasons and does not tolerate heat well. This means there are seasonal fluctuations in availability. In warmer months, it can be more difficult to produce and supply fresh cilantro of high quality.
3. Lower demand
Although cilantro is used in many international cuisines, demand in some regions is lower than for other herbs like parsley or basil. Supermarkets tend to align their offerings with local consumption habits, which can result in cilantro being less available.
With smart indoor gardens, you can have cilantro all year round
Short shelf life and seasonal availability are a thing of the past with urbanhive farms.
Growing cilantro in the homefarm or minifarm begins by filling the water tank. After that, you just need to insert the plant capsules, which already contain the seeds and plant nutrients, and turn them on via the app. You will receive notifications about water levels and harvest times through the urbanhive app. By the way, cilantro regrows for months, allowing you to harvest and enjoy it regularly.
You can also grow almost all other plants and don't have to limit yourself to cilantro.
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- The benefits of urbanhive plant capsules
Cover photo: Photo by Lindsay Moe on Unsplash