How to Buy and Cook with Cilantro

Cilantro is a multifaceted herb that imbues every food it touches with a uniquely fresh flavor.

It’s also been called Mexican parsley and Chinese parsley and the dried seed of the Cilantro plant is the well known Coriander spice.

No matter what you call it, this simple yet complex plant contains many plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health-promoting properties. Cilantro is rich in many essential vitamins including A, C, K, folic-acid, riboflavin, niacin and beta carotene. Cilantro is a bacteria killing, anti-inflamatory, digestive aid, immune boosting, bone building wonder herb.

When buying cilantro, make sure the leaves are very green and fresh, and that they have a strong aroma. Whenever possible, buy fresh leaves over dried ones since they are superior in flavor. When you get the cilantro home, discard any wilted leaves, and put the good ones in a jar with water. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag and put the jar in the refrigerator.

Cooking with Cilantro:

Clean Eating Salsa Salad with Cilantro is definitetly a crowd pleaser.
Cilantro Lime Marinade is guaranteed to boost the flavor of chicken breast. Cilantro can be used as a marinade to spice up meat with other ingredients like olive oil, salt, and garlic. Let the marinade sit for several hours prior to cooking for the best flavor.
Avocado, Apple and Cilantro Salad A bit of fresh cilantro will also taste great mixed with the traditional lettuce and tomato combination salad.
Cream of Cilantro Soup gives you all the benefits this grand herb has to offer.
Plan an Asian inspired party with Thai Beef Tacos and Cilantro Slaw as the guest of honor.

Cilantro is best used just before preparing recipes in order to keep the fragrance and aromatic flavor intact.