Coriander as a valuable spice

Few spices divide opinions as much as coriander. Some love its intense flavor and aroma, while others find both unpleasant. But how can coriander be used?

Coriander: healthy seasoning

Coriander, also known as Coriandrum sativum , originates from the Orient and the Mediterranean region. The plant can grow to between 30 and 80 cm tall . It features leaves of varying sizes and a cluster of pink or white flowers , which thrive best in sunny locations. There are two varieties of Coriandrum sativum, which produce fruits of different sizes. Coriandrum sativum L. var. vulgare ALEF bears fruits 3 to 5 mm in diameter, while the variety var. microcarpum DC produces fruits 1.5 to 3 mm in diameter. Only in Thailand are the roots also used. Coriander is often confused with fennel.

Coriander: Taste and smell

The fresh leaves and dried seeds , in this case the fruits of the coriander plant, are the parts that are eaten. The above-ground parts of the plant smell like bugs when fresh, which is why coriander is also sometimes called "bug herb" or "coriander plant." When dried, the aroma is reminiscent of a spicy lavender and orange scent . Europeans who find the taste of coriander unpleasant often describe it as similar to burnt rubber or soap. People who like the aroma perceive a fresh, spicy, or citrusy taste. The fruits themselves are considered to have a nutty and spicy flavor . Coriander is particularly popular outside of North America and Europe.

What is coriander used for?

Coriander is primarily used as a spice , especially in Asia, Latin America, North Africa, and Southern Europe, where it is found in salads, chutneys, guacamole, salsa, and lentil dishes. It is also used in the production of herbal liqueurs and perfumes . The leaves are usually added to the dish just before serving, as the flavor is quickly lost when heated . The herb is also used as a carminative, antispasmodic, and stomachic. The essential oil extracted from it is also used to treat migraines. According to studies, coriander may help the body eliminate amalgam fillings more effectively. Furthermore, the leaves and seeds of the coriander plant contain antioxidants , which help keep dishes fresh for longer. Antioxidants contribute to protection against free radicals.

Coriander for insomnia

In the Middle East, coriander is used in traditional medicine. It is used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety . The herb contains the following ingredients:

• essential oils (camphor, coriander oil, linalool, borneol, geraniol, pinene)
• Phenolic acids
• Dodecenal
• Coumarins

• sterols

Coriander can be consumed as a tea before bedtime.

Coriander and histamine

Coriander is suitable for a low-histamine diet . In the SIGHI list, the herb was rated "0" on the tolerability scale. This means that for people with histamine intolerance, coriander is well tolerated at typical consumption levels . Nevertheless, individual tolerance levels should be monitored.

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