Description

Cilantro: Overview

Description
Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is an aromatic herb with delicate, bright green leaves commonly used in many culinary traditions worldwide. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor with slight peppery notes and is widely used to add flavor to various dishes. The entire plant is edible, but the leaves and seeds are the most commonly used.

Nutritional Data (per 100g)

PLU Code for Cilantro

The PLU code for cilantro is typically 4889.

Ayurvedic Data

In Ayurveda, cilantro is known for its cooling and calming properties, making it a beneficial herb for balancing the body’s heat (pitta). Its properties include:

• Rasa (taste): Bitter, slightly sweet
• Virya (potency): Cooling
• Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Pitta and Kapha; may aggravate Vata if used excessively in certain forms.

Cilantro is often used in Ayurveda to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, detoxify heavy metals from the body, and enhance kidney function. It’s also believed to support skin health, relieve urinary tract infections, and promote a calming effect on the mind.

Ten Healthy Recipes Using Cilantro

1. Cilantro-Lime Quinoa Salad
   Ingredients: Quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, avocado.
   Instructions: Toss cooked quinoa with beans, corn, and tomatoes. Add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and avocado for a fresh, protein-rich salad.
2. Cilantro Pesto
   Ingredients: Cilantro, almonds (or walnuts), garlic, olive oil, Parmesan (optional), lemon juice.
   Instructions: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Perfect for pasta or as a spread.
3. Avocado Cilantro Dressing
   Ingredients: Avocado, cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt.
   Instructions: Blend ingredients to make a creamy salad dressing or a vegetable dip.
4. Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken
   Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, salt, pepper.
   Instructions: Marinate chicken in lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. Grill until cooked.
5. Cilantro Chutney
   Ingredients: Cilantro, mint, green chili, garlic, salt, lemon juice.
   Instructions: Blend ingredients to create a fresh chutney that pairs well with Indian snacks or grilled meats.
6. Mexican Cilantro Rice
   Ingredients: White or brown rice, garlic, onion, cilantro, vegetable broth, and lime juice.
   Instructions: Cook rice in vegetable broth, then stir in chopped cilantro, garlic, and lime juice for flavor.
7. Cilantro-Lemon Roasted Vegetables
   Ingredients: Assorted vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini), lemon juice, cilantro, olive oil, salt.
   Instructions: Roast vegetables with olive oil and salt, then toss with chopped cilantro and lemon juice.
8. Cilantro-Ginger Detox Juice
   Ingredients: Cilantro, ginger, lemon, cucumber, green apple.
   Instructions: Juice all ingredients for a detoxifying and refreshing drink.
9. Spicy Cilantro Hummus
   Ingredients: Chickpeas, tahini, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lemon juice, olive oil.
   Instructions: Blend ingredients to make a spicy hummus, which is great with pita or veggies.
10. Cilantro and Lime Shrimp Tacos
    Ingredients: Shrimp, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, cabbage slaw, tortillas.
    Instructions: Marinate shrimp in lime juice, cilantro, and garlic, then sauté. Serve in tortillas with cabbage slaw.

Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice ~ (Video)