Is there a difference between coriander and cilantro?
Are you, like us, an obsessive cookbook collector who often can’t wait for a Dutch translation of English-language books to come out? Our shelves are overflowing with originals, and sometimes it takes some figuring out exactly which ingredients are meant in English. For example: cilantro!
If that immediately brings sunny associations to mind, that may be right; you mainly come across it in Mexican cuisine. But therefore also often in cookbooks or recipes from America, because Mexican influence is strong there. And they should be very grateful for that, because goodness, how we would love a semi-unlimited supply of the best tacos, guacamole and chilaquiles for breakfast… We happily add fresh coriander to all of that (except former colleague Tamya, because she’s on Team Coriander Hater), and do you know what the difference is between coriander and cilantro?
What’s in a name
There is no difference! Only the name is different. In Mexico it’s called cilantro, and usually in the United States too, while in other English-speaking countries it’s called coriander. It’s the same little plant, and even when the seeds are dried, you’re dealing with the same fragrant spice that you can use in all kinds of dishes, from Mexican to Indian to Southeast Asian… For example, make a warming chhonk for soup from crushed coriander seeds and cumin seeds, or chop up a bunch of fresh herbs the easy way to sprinkle over an incredibly delicious chicken nacho casserole. Either way, this exotic, sunny herb brings plenty of schwung to your kitchen!
Read also:
- Does coriander taste like soap?
- How to: keep herb plants alive
- Roast lamb with coriander seeds and rosemary
