Coriander

  • To flavor meats
  • Has stimulating, neurotonic, and euphoric properties
  • Delicate spice, not overpowering, perfect for fish

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  • Biologico
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Coriander Seeds

Coriander in Seeds

  • Coriandrum sativum L.
  • Origin: Middle East
  • Form: whole fruits

Coriander Seeds: What Are They?

Coriander seeds are a spice derived from Coriandrum sativum, an annual herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family, native to the eastern Mediterranean countries but now cultivated worldwide. Coriander in seeds is among the most widespread and used Middle Eastern spices in dish preparation. Terza Luna sells coriander in seed form, ideal for use in cooking to prepare tasty dishes. A spice that cannot be missing from your pantry!

Coriander Plant

The Coriandrum sativum, coriander, or Chinese parsley, belongs to the umbellifer species, the same as cumin, fennel, and dill. The fruits of this plant make up the coriander spice, and they mature at the beginning of summer when they can be harvested.

Coriander Seeds vs Leaves (Cilantro)

It is important to distinguish coriander seeds from the fresh leaves of the plant, known as cilantro or Chinese parsley. The seeds have a sweet flavor with citrus notes of lemon and orange, while the fresh leaves have a more intense and pungent taste. Coriander seeds are dried and used as a spice, while the leaves are consumed fresh, mainly in Asian and Mexican cuisine.

Cultivation

The most suitable season for cultivating coriander is spring, between March and May, depending on the latitude. Starting cultivation too early, when temperatures are still low, could be counterproductive, just as late sowing in hotter temperatures is not recommended, as the plants would go to seed early before forming a nice foliage. 

Harvesting

The harvesting of coriander is a very important process to preserve the coriander seeds.
The umbels are collected early in the morning and immediately dried along with their fruits to preserve the properties of coriander, a spice rich in benefits. They are then hung to dry in the shade and later placed in bags that are beaten to separate the seeds. Coriander seeds should be stored in glass jars, and it is very important that they are whole to preserve the fragrance of coriander powder. When used, they can be ground into powder. Although the spice consists of the whole fruits of coriander, in some preparations, part of the plant with the seeds can also be used.

Coriander Seeds: Properties and Benefits

Coriander seeds have pronounced beneficial properties recorded since ancient times. In papyri, coriander was mentioned for its healing properties in diseases of the stomach, liver, and heart, as well as for its stimulating and aphrodisiac properties. Pliny the Elder, in his Naturalis Historia, even narrated how placing coriander seeds under the pillow could cure toothache and fever.
In reality, there are no proven studies that confirm the benefits of coriander seeds on fever, although some oriental medicines use it to help lower body temperature.

In the Middle East, a decoction of coriander seeds and honey is also used in treating colds, being an excellent antibacterial.

The essential oil obtained from grinding coriander seeds is used in aromatherapy and perfume production due to its intense and characteristic aroma.

Nutritional Values of Coriander

For 100 g of fresh coriander, we consume about 23 kcal, and the nutritional values present are:

Proteins 2.13g
Carbohydrates 3.67g
Sugars 0.87g
Fats 0.52g
Cholesterol 0mg
Dietary Fiber 2.8g
Sodium 46mg

 

Coriander Seeds: How to Use Them?

Coriander is a versatile spice that can be used in cooking in various ways or consumed in its pure form to enjoy its beneficial effects. You can chew coriander seeds to address issues related to fatigue and lack of energy, providing an energizing effect.

Using Whole Coriander Seeds in Cooking

Many wonder about the spice coriander and where it is used: whole or ground, Chinese parsley seeds can be a great ally to enhance our dishes, experiment with recipes inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, or create unique spice blends.
Coriander seeds have multiple uses in the agri-food sector for flavoring cured meats, in seasonings, and in many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Although native to the Mediterranean, coriander seeds dominate Indian cuisine recipes and are a base spice for curry and falafel, making a comeback in the West thanks to culinary fusion.
They can be used ground for coriander seed cookies, used to produce beers and liquors, added to fish preparations, and, to mimic Middle Eastern usage, to season sausage meat and flavored dried meats, a practice also widespread in Basilicata.

How to Use Coriander Seeds in Cooking Recipes

Coriander seeds are extremely versatile and can be used in numerous ways:

  • Whole: in marinades, pickles, brines, and slow-cooked dishes
  • Chopped: on grilled vegetables, legumes, and rice
  • Toasted: in a pan for a few minutes before use to enhance their aroma
  • Freshly ground: for curry, garam masala, and spice blends
  • Infused: for digestive teas and aromatic liquors

Coriander seeds pair perfectly with white meats, fish, vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes, and are a fundamental ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines.

Spice Mixes

One of the most common uses of coriander seeds is as a component of curry. This fragrant ingredient is used in many spice blends and is the base of the famous Garam Masala, the typical Indian and Pakistani mix prepared by toasting and grinding several spices, including coriander seeds, as well as cumin, cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, and cloves.

Taste and Aroma of Coriander Seeds

The taste of coriander seeds is characterized by sweet and citrus notes reminiscent of lemon and orange. This intense and fresh aroma makes them perfect for balancing more pungent spices in mixes like curry and garam masala. The coriander seeds are used dried, whole, or after being freshly ground to preserve their fragrance. Their flavor is completely different from fresh leaves, which instead offer a more pronounced and almost spicy taste. For those who want to give recipes a spicy yet delicate flavor, coriander seeds are among the most recommended spices.

Whole or Ground Coriander Seeds?

Coriander seeds can be used whole or ground on the spot to obtain coriander powder. Grinding should be done with a mortar or spice grinder just before use, as coriander powder tends to quickly lose its characteristic aroma once ground. Whole seeds retain their fragrance much longer and can be added to marinades, pickles, and slow-cooked dishes. For curry and spice blends, it is preferable to grind the coriander seeds together with other spices at the moment.

Recipes with Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds lend themselves easily to use in cooking, both as a spice to flavor dishes and as a main ingredient for preparing tasty recipes. Let's take a look at a few.

Coriander Chicken

A different chicken preparation that guarantees a bold and spicy flavor, easy to prepare even for beginners.

Ingredients: chicken breast, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped coriander seeds, oil, butter, salt, pepper, lemon, and olives (optional).

Preparation: Heat oil and butter in a pan and brown the chicken. Add the finely chopped coriander seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, turning often and adding water. Add lemon and olives and continue for another 8-10 minutes until a sauce forms. Serve with rice or couscous.

Coriander Seed Tea: Recipe

Also noteworthy is the effectiveness of a coriander seed tea, with immense digestive benefits, for which we offer you the recipe. It is very simple to prepare and requires:

  • 100 ml of water
  • 2 g of coriander seeds

In a saucepan on the stove, boil the water and add the seeds, allowing the infusion to take place while covering the decoction. After straining, the tea can be drunk after meals to aid digestion.

Contraindications of Coriander Seeds

There are no particular contraindications for coriander seeds, except for an allergy to the plant itself. It is still preferable to avoid excessive consumption, especially if taken by chewing, to prevent kidney disorders. Additionally, coriander seeds are not recommended during pregnancy.

Where to Buy Coriander Seeds

Don't know where to buy coriander seeds for your recipes? Terza Luna offers the best quality of Middle Eastern coriander seeds, available online to be added to your spice pantry. Our coriander seeds come from the Middle East, the region of origin of this precious spice, and are available in whole fruit form, perfect for use whole or freshly ground.

Advantages of purchasing from Terza Luna:

  • Middle Eastern origin
  • High-quality whole fruit coriander seeds
  • Ideal for curry, falafel, and Middle Eastern cuisine
  • Fast shipping throughout Italy

Whether used whole or ground, Terza Luna coriander seeds will be a great addition to your dishes!

Prices and Formats

Buy coriander seeds at an affordable price on Terza Luna and receive them directly at home in just a few clicks. Discover the different formats suitable for all your needs!

  • Coriander seeds in 50g packaging priced at: €3.50
  • Coriander seeds in 100g packaging priced at: €7.00
  • Coriander seeds in 250g packaging priced at: €15.75

Discover other Middle Eastern spices available online at Terza Luna

If you enjoyed Terza Luna coriander seeds, also try other spices from our wide range of Middle Eastern spices, carefully selected by us thanks to years of experience in the field.

Terza Luna's Guide to Coriander Seeds

There are many questions about coriander as a spice and its use: in this brief FAQ we have tried to answer the most frequent ones.

What are coriander seeds?

Coriander seeds are the fruit of the coriander plant, Coriandrum sativum, which is part of the Apiaceae family. The seeds are harvested and dried to be used as a spice.

What do coriander seeds taste like?

Coriander seeds have a sweet and delicate flavor with citrus notes reminiscent of lemon and orange. This aroma makes them perfect for balancing more intense spices in curries and oriental blends.

Where can you buy coriander seeds?

Coriander seeds can be purchased in spice shops, herbal stores, or online. At Terza Luna, you will find high-quality coriander seeds from the Middle East, available in three convenient sizes: 50g, 100g, and 250g.

How is coriander powder used?

Coriander powder is obtained by grinding coriander seeds at the time of use. It is used to flavor curries, vegetables, meats, and in the preparation of blends like garam masala. It is important to grind it at the moment because it quickly loses its aroma.

Where does coriander grow in Italy?

In Italy, coriander is cultivated in most regions, as it finds its habitat in the Mediterranean environment.

What kind of spice is coriander?

Coriander is a very unique and flavorful spice, more delicate than peppers and chilies, and is therefore appreciated as an ingredient to add to spice blends to balance the pungent taste.

How is coriander used in cooking?

In cooking, coriander seeds are used ground or whole in the preparation of curries, for making falafel, in bread, and in alcoholic preparations. Preparing a coriander seed tea can also be very beneficial.

How to grind coriander seeds?

Coriander seeds should be ground at the moment with a blender or mortar, as once reduced to powder, they tend to lose their aroma very quickly.

How are coriander seeds used?

There are various uses for coriander seeds, especially in the culinary field. You will find several examples in the dedicated paragraph.

 

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Tags: seeds, spices, coriander

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