FLOWER SEEDS

The leaves are called Cilantro, which look like parsley and the seeds are called Coriander.

Cilantro is a annual herb. The plant is called Cilantro while the seeds are Coriander.

This plant is a member of the carrot family and is referred to as Chinese parsley and Coriander. It is actually the leaves (and stems) of the Coriander plant. Cilantro has a very pungent odor and is widely used in Mexican, Caribbean and Asian cooking. The Cilantro leaves look a bit like flat italian parsley and in fact are related.

Coriander grows wild in South East Europe and had been cultivated in Eqypt., India, and China for thousands of years. It has become very popular in the southwest and western part of the U.S. as in most Metropolitian areas. An interesting note is that people of Eupopean desent frequently are reviled by the smell of Cilantro. It has not gained in popularity in Europe as it has in many other parts of the world. The Chinese used the herb in love potions believing it provided immortality. Coriander is one of the herbs thought th have APHRODISIAC qualities.

Cilantro was also known to be used as a "appetite" stimulate!

Cilantro is fast growing annual reaching 12-24" tall. The entire plant including the leaves, the seeds and the roots are all ediable. Coriander can easily be grown in pots. To use simply pick or trim fresh leaves of whole stalk as required. The leaves get stronger and sometimes disagreeable flavor as they get older and larger. If you want to harvest seeds for your own crop do so after leaves and flowers turn brown.

Grow in full sun. Soil should be kept moist but well drained. But the plant is not fussy. Plant seed in mid to late spring. Plant 2-3 week intervals for harvest all season. Days to germination 7-10. Plant 1/4' deep, 6' apart.

Before you store your fresh Cilantro it should be rinsed and left moist (not wet) and place in a plastic bag. Cilantro may be stored for up to one week.

Coriander is considered an aid to the digestive system. It is an appetite stimulate and aids in secretion of the gastric juices. A poultice of Coriander seed can be applied externally to relieve painful joints and rheumatism. One source said the seeds can be mixed with violets for a remedy for a hangover!

The essential oils of the Cilantro leaves contain antibacterial properties and can be used as a fungicide. Coriander seeds is considered to have cholesterol lowering properties.