Well, this hardy annual herb has
upper leaves that look like dill and lower ones that look like parsley, but it
also has pungent flavor all its own. Thus, the seeds are also very flavorful.
Coriander is widely used as a seasoning around the world, and is often called “cilantro”
in Spanish speaking countries and “Dhania” in India, Pakistan. It figures in
oriental cooking also and is sometimes known as “Chinese Parsley. There has
been something of a coriander renaissance of late because there is so much
interest in the cuisines of foreign countries and, chances are, if you scratch
a foreign cuisine you will find coriander. Moreover, the flowers are flat
umbels, usually white but sometimes pale pink or lavender.
Well, if you want to grow
Coriander, then grow coriander in full sun or part shade as well. However, in
very well drained, moderately fertile soil. But you’ve to sow seeds after
danger of frost in past, or in late summer or fall in warm climates. Thin to
about a foot apart. Like all the “Umbelliferae” it has a long taproot and does
not like to be transplanted. But unlike some members of this family it
germinates fairly rapidly, and you can make successive sowings throughout the
summer. To grow indoors, sow seed in deep pots that will accommodate the roots.
Well to harvest the Coriander, you have to cut any time for seasoning. For
drying cut them just before bloom. To dry the seeds cut the plants when the
seeds pods start to turn brown and will crack if you pinch them, but before the
seeds start to drop. Hang and bunches in paper bags to catch the falling seeds.
Rub the pods between your fingers to get them all out. Source: Charismatic Planet
