Cilantro seeds and how to use them

Cilantro seeds are scientifically called coriander and are widely used as a spice. They are added to various meat and vegetable dishes, as well as for pickles and fermentations. Coriander has a strong spicy aroma that adds some piquancy to prepared dishes. In addition, cilantro seeds stimulate digestion, improve appetite and slow down the process of alcohol penetration into the blood.

In addition to the fact that cilantro seeds can be used in cooking, they can be used to grow the green, spicy-smelling herb cilantro, which is an indispensable element of Georgian cuisine and is used to prepare fresh salads and other dishes (mainly meat). Cilantro has an aroma slightly reminiscent of garlic, but without the pungency characteristic of garlic, so it will not spoil the taste of dishes, but will give them a mild piquancy.

To grow cilantro in your garden or balcony, you don’t need much. Just buy a bag of fresh cilantro seeds (it’s best to do this in a specialty store, this way you will protect yourself from fakes and seeds with poor germination). In the spring, make shallow furrows in the soil (about 2-3 cm) and plant the seeds at a distance of several centimeters from each other. Cilantro is not too demanding when it comes to watering and lighting, so growing this spice will not require much trouble.

To collect cilantro seeds, wait until it flowers (this happens in early autumn), until the heads dry, then you can safely collect seeds that will be suitable for planting next year.Be sure to air dry them thoroughly and store them in a paper bag.