Coriander - fresh and healing herb

Coriander, commonly known as cilantro is a powerful herb which has many health benefits. Its sweet-smelling aroma is transmitted by its tender green fruits, and when ripe, turn a brownish yellow. It's originating in the Mediterranean region. It is extensively cultivated in Europe , North Africa , India , South America , Malaysia , Thailand and China . It thrives in black soil and arid regions. Coriander is rich in various food elements.

Types of Coriander: coriander is broadly divided into two types according to the size of the fruit.

1.      Large seeded (fruited): Large seeded coriander (seed diameter three to five mm) is grown as a spring crop in northern temperate climates, or as a winter crop in areas with a Mediterranean climate. It grows to a height of approximately 0.6 m (two ft.), and has a growing season requirement of approximately 100-110 days.

2.      Small seeded: Small seeded coriander is produced mainly in more moderate temperature zones. It has a longer growing season requirement of approximately 115-120 days. Small seeded coriander is somewhat taller, approximately one meter (three ft.), and contains more essential oil. Immature seedlings of small seeded coriander (cilantro) are harvested as a spicy addition to salads or for flavoring of meats, soups and stews.

Nutritional value:

• Coriander leaves contains moisture 86.3 per cent, protein 3.3 per cent, fat 0.6 per cent, minerals 2.3 per cent, fibre 1.2 per cent and carbohydrates 6.3 per cent per 100 grams.
• The mineral and vitamin contents include calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C.
• Also contain sodium, potassium and oxalic acid.
• Calorific value is 44.

Health Benefits:

• Dry coriander treats diarrhea.

• Coriander seeds are known to alleviate excessive menstrual flow.

• Freshly dried coriander is an excellent in treating conjunctivitis

• It relieves burning and reduces pain and swelling.

• Good for skin.

• It is an effective remedy for pimples, blackheads and dry skin.

• It helps in the control of Blood Sugar, Cholesterol and Free Radical Production.

• They strengthen the stomach and promote its action, relieve flatulence, increase secretion and discharge of urine and reduce fever.

• Coriander juice is highly beneficial in deficiencies of vitamin A, B1, B2, C and iron.

How to grow: Coriander is a highly fragrant annual herb and will grow to up to 2 feet in height.

• Coriander is sensitive to transplanting so it is advisable to sow coriander seeds where you want them to remain.

• Weed, dig over and rake the soil before planting.

• If sowing outdoors then wait till May to ensure warm soil temperatures which will promote more successful germination.

• Sow seeds in drills around 1cm deep and then cover with soil.

• Space rows around 35cm apart. Sow seeds around 4cm apart.

• If using containers to grow then make sure the container is at least 15cm deep so that the tap root can develop.

• Coriander likes a lot of light so if growing indoors make sure your Coriander is positioned on a south facing windowsill. A minimum of 4 hours sunshine a day is recommended.

• Coriander will also do better in warm spots.

• The soil should be well drained and have good aeration.

• Make sure the container has broken pots and/or coarse gravel in the base.

• A liquid fertilizer can be applied to the soil every few weeks to promote growth.

• Do not overwater Coriander as it does not like its roots to stand in water.

• You can start to harvest the leaves after the plant has reached 10cm in height.

There are many people who love the aroma of coriander and like to add in most of the meals however few people just can't stand the smell. Now after knowing the health benefits hopefully everyone will say YES to coriander. 

(Sources: alternatively-healthier.com, online-vitamins-guide.com, whfoods.com, ayushveda.com, gardeningpatch.com, agriculture.gov.sk.ca)