Coriander, (Coriandrum sativum), also called cilantro or Chinese parsley, feathery annual plant of the parsley family (Apiaceae), parts of which are used as both an herb and a spice. Native to the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, the plant is widely cultivated in many places worldwide for its culinary uses.

Coriandrum sativum—better known as cilantro or coriander—is an entirely edible plant. The leaves and stems are used widely in Asian and South American cuisines. The plant’s roots, while not as widely used as the leaves and seeds, are sometimes found in Asian curries and soups, particularly in Thailand.

Coriander can refer to both an herb and a spice. Although the term coriander is used in much of the world in reference to both cilantro leaves and seeds, in the Americas, it generally refers to the dried cilantro seeds which are used as a spice both in whole form and ground.

Cilantro is the the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. When the plant flowers and turns seed the seeds are called coriander seeds. Cilantro is also the Spanish word for coriander.

Coriander also has some aldehydes that are found in soaps, detergents, and lotions as well as the bug family of insects. Soap has a taste of sodium fluoride. These aldehydes, mainly (E)-2-alkenals and n-aldehydes, are responsible for the soapy taste in coriander.

Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. These people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.

What is the difference between cumin and coriander? The flavor of cumin is more bitter. Cumin is much warmer and darker in flavor and coriander has a lighter, brighter flavor. These two spices come from different plants so have unique nutritional values and appearance as well.

Your mouth might temporarily taste soapy after you eat foods like carrots and cilantro. These foods may not taste good to you, but a soapy taste from either food isn’t cause for alarm. However, when a soapy taste in your mouth lasts for several hours or days, it’s usually a symptom of overexposure to sodium fluoride.

The aldehydes are mainly those with 9–10 carbon atoms, which are largely responsible for the aroma of cilantro leaves— as well as its perceived metallic or soapy taste for some people. The aldehydes present in cilantro, as well as those similar to them, are also commonly found in both soaps and lotions.

As many as one in five people says that coriander has a soapy taste. This is likely to be due to a super-sensitivity to chemicals called aldehydes, which are present in coriander and are also used to perfume soaps and detergents.

It’s literally in our genes. Because coriander contains aldehyde chemicals – yep, that’s the same chemicals that are found in soap. Also, the 13,000 members of the I Hate Coriander Facebook page can’t be wrong. It is the devil’s herb and these people know it.

Easy to add to your diet. All parts of the Coriandrum sativum plant are edible, but its seeds and leaves taste very different. While coriander seeds have an earthy flavor, the leaves are pungent and citrus-like — though some people find that they taste like soap.

What Does Coriander (Cilantro) Taste Like? The coriander leaves should taste refreshing, tart, and citrusy. Coriander seeds are the plant’s dried fruit, which can be used whole or ground. Its flavor is earthy, tart, and sweet with a floral aroma that releases when toasted.

You can freeze coriander for around 4 months. The simple way to freeze it is to place it into a bag and then seal it up. However, a better approach to take is to freeze it in an ice cube tray. Your coriander can be mixed with other herbs and spices.

Coriander is citrusy, nutty, and warm. It pairs well with rich meats because of the contrast it gives. Earthy, nutty, and spicy, Cumin and mutton work because they are both so strong in flavor.

Fill a jar or a water glass partially with water and place the stem ends of the herbs into the water in the jar. Cover and store: If you are storing the herbs in the refrigerator, cover loosely with a plastic bag. Cilantro loves cool temperatures and should be stored in the refrigerator.

Properly stored, coriander seed will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years. To maximize the shelf life of coriander seed purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.

An easy-to-grow leafy herb, coriander can be grown from seeds sown directly in the soil or in pots. Sow successionally for fresh bunches of coriander throughout summer.

Cilantro leaves are more rounded, while parsley leaves are pointed. However, the best way to tell the two apart is by smelling them. Parsley has a fresh, mild herbal scent, while cilantro has a much stronger, spicy, citrusy aroma. Some people describe the smell and taste of fresh cilantro leaves as soap-like.

They’re also both heart-healthy herbs. “Cilantro has been shown to help lower cholesterol and total triglycerides in the body, and parsley contains good levels of folate, a heart-healthy B vitamin,” says Kroplin.

When taken by mouth: Cilantro is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if it safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Some people might experience allergies after eating cilantro.