nt. In its eighth year, The Thom Hartmann Program airs live daily, NOON – 3pm, ET simulcast as both radio and TV on over 120 radio stations. into more than 50 million homes via both nationwide satellite TV systems (DirecTV and Dish Network). Herbs in My Garden: Coriander
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Coriander (Chinese parsley) is considered an herb and a spice since both its leaves and its seeds are used as seasoning condiments. Fresh coriander leaves are known as cilantro, a cooling Ayurvedic herb used in many culinary traditions and in Latin American, Mexican, Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisines.
Dating back to 5000 BC, Coriander is one of the oldest recorded spices; it is mentioned in Sanskrit text and the Bible. The Romans used coriander to flavor breads and combined it with cumin and vinegar to preserve meat. The Chinese believed that coriander brought immortality. It is thought to have aphrodisiac qualities.
Cilantro/coriander has been used as an "appetite" stimulant. The flavors enhance other herbs and spices. Fresh coriander roots are used as a base flavor for Asian soups and chili pastes. Cilantro is a good source of dietary fiber and iron, magnesium and manganese.
Coriander is a strong digestive aid and helps relieve diarrhea and colic in children. It has beneficial effects on the circulatory and respiratory systems and strengthens the urinary tract. Coriander seeds are considered to have cholesterol lowering properties. Overall, coriander is a very versatile herb for healing.
Cilantro is a fast growing annual. The entire plant, including the leaves, the seeds and roots, is edible. Choose a slow-bolting variety for our Central Coast climate. Plant cilantro in the fall and winter as it likes cooler weather. Grow in full sun with moist soil. Let some of the plants bolt and produce flowers. The resulting seeds can be picked when they are yellowish-brown in color. The simplest way to dry the seeds is to put them in a brown paper bag and place in your car or other warm area until dry.
When dried, seeds can be stored in a glass jar in a cool, dry place. Roast the seeds to increase the aroma and then grind the seeds with a mortar and pestle to give the freshest quality to individual recipes. Try adding grown coriander with other spices like turmeric and cumin to soups, stews, and sauces for a healthy yummy zest.