Coriander

Coriander, commonly called “Dhania” (Coriandrum sativum), belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is mainly cultivated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and several other regions of India. Coriander is widely used as a spice and condiment due to its culinary and medicinal benefits. The fresh green leaves of coriander are also extensively used in cooking for their flavor and aroma.Also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, coriander is an annual herb native to areas stretching from southern Europe and North Africa to southwestern Asia.Ground coriander is made from the dried seeds of the coriander plant. It is most often available as whole seeds, but also sold as powdered spice. When prepared at home, the seeds are usually lightly roasted in a dry pan to enhance their aroma before being ground using a mortar and pestle or grinder. Since ground coriander tends to lose its fragrance quickly, it’s best to grind it fresh as needed. The powder has a pleasant aroma and mild flavor, and can be crushed coarsely or finely, depending on the recipe’s requirement.