CILANTRO is an herb with wide, lacy green leaves and a pungent flavor. The seed of the cilantro plant is known as coriander.
Although cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, their flavors are very different and cannot be substituted for each other. (Some countries refer to the cilantro as coriander, so any references to "fresh coriander" or "coriander leaves" refer to cilantro.)
Note: "Culantro" is an herb related to cilantro that is widely used in dishes throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Far East.
Season: it's available year-round
How to select: Cilantro is easily confused with flat-leaf parsley in appearance. Look for a bunch with unwilted leaves in medium green. Cilantro can be found fresh year round in most markets.
How to store: Store it in refrigerator with cut ends in a jar of water and leaves loosely covered with a plastic bag for several days, changing the water every 2 days. Or you can store it in a plastic bag for a week.
How to prepare: Wash and pat dry before using, as the leaves attract sand.
Matches well with: avocado, chicken, fish, ice cream, lamb, lentils, mayonnaise, peppers, pork, rice, salads, salsas, shellfish, tomatoes, & yogurt
