Cilantro – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is cilantro?

Cilantro is a fresh herb. It has a slightly citrusy taste and is typically used as a finishing touch in dishes. It is usually sold in bunches and looks similar to parsley.

The plants have delicate and lacy leaves that emit a unique soapy aroma that can attract or repel a person depending on their unique genetics.

Are coriander and cilantro the same thing?

Yes! They are part of the same plant called Coriandrum sativum. This entire plant is edible, including the roots.

In the United States, the leaves and stems are commonly called cilantro, while just the dried seeds are called coriander. Overseas, you’ll find the leaves and stem of this plant for sale as coriander and the seeds as coriander seeds.

Even though they’re the same plant, they are not direct substitutions for each other. They have significantly different taste and nutritional profiles and are used in various ways. Cilantro has a citrusy flavor, while coriander is often described as having a spicy or nutty scent.

Where did cilantro originate from?

Cilantro was probably one of the first herbs to be used by humankind, with references dating back to 5,000 BC. It was spread by the Romans through Europe and was one of the first spices to be introduced to the Americas in the 1600s.

References to cilantro can be found in a variety of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, North African, European, and Asian. The plant has been around for millennia, with references in the Bible and Sanskrit. There were also seeds found in an 8,000-year-old cave in Israel.

What is the nutritional value of cilantro?

Cilantro has several health benefits. The seeds include more, but it is worth noting that the reason for the lower percentage in the leafy green vegetable is due to how much water the plant holds.

Vitamin-wise, the plant contains substantial amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.

It also has a history of being used in herbal healing, but numerous scientific studies have backed up those claims. Some of the things that cilantro is said to help with include brain health, anxiety reduction, and blood sugar management. It is also said to help heart and gut health and could help fight infection and protect your skin.

How do you pick cilantro at the grocery store?

Cilantro is typically sold in bunches. Check the label before putting it in your cart, because at first glance, it looks very similar to flat-leaf parsley.

Want someone to pick out a bunch of cilantro for you? Use Instacart to get fresh cilantro delivered to you. Just add your item to the cart and hit the “Instructions” tab. This will allow your Instacart shopper to shop based on your unique preferences.

How is cilantro grown?

Cilantro should be planted in the spring after the last frost or in the fall. It is not a good idea to plant cilantro in the summer because the plants will bolt and become too bitter.

Depending on the weather, it is possible that a fall planting will last through the spring if it doesn’t get too hot.

Seeds should be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny space approximately 1–2in apart. To continue harvesting these plants, sow them at 3-week intervals. Rows should be placed 12in apart. Once planted, the seeds should be kept moist and continue to be watered throughout the growing season, requiring approximately 1in water per week.

When growing cilantro, it is important to keep fungal wilt, leafhoppers, aphids, and mildew in check.

The tender and leafy cilantro you see in the store is the product of a plant harvested when it’s still low.

When is cilantro in season?

Cilantro is considered a cool-season herb and is usually best in the early spring or fall. It doesn’t do well in the summer months. Depending on the climate where you live, fresh, homegrown cilantro may be available year-round.

How to store cilantro

The best way to store fresh produce is to fill a jar partially with water and then place the herbs with the stem down. Another option is to cover cilantro loosely and store it in the refrigerator.

To store cilantro leaves for a longer period of time, use a resealable freezer bag to store them in the freezer. If you are going to dry them, hang your herbs in a warm place until they are fully dried.

How to tell if cilantro is bad

Cilantro turns soft when it spoils. It will go from a bright green to a yellowish color. It will also have an off smell. If the cilantro in your fridge looks like this at all, discard it immediately.

What can I substitute for cilantro?

If you don’t have, or just find the taste of cilantro unpleasant, there are a few things you can substitute for the leaves and stems.

A key thing to look for is an herb with a similar appearance.

One herb that makes a good substitute is parsley, which is actually from the same family as cilantro. Most parsley varietals work well, including Italian, flat-leaf, and curly-leaf. While parsley is more bitter, and lacks the citrus notes of cilantro, adding a touch of lemon juice or peel will help elevate and bring together the dish.

Another herb that works well is basil. Basil can change the flavor of some dishes, so this only works in some cases. Thai basil is ideal to add to curries. Regular basil can be chopped up and used as a garnish.

You can also work with combinations of herbs such as dill, tarragon, and oregano for more complex flavors.

How do I order cilantro near me?

Check out the cilantro selection available through Instacart and add your favorite product to your order. Then use the instructions tool to make sure you specify any substitutions you’ll accept. Your Instacart shopper will shop for the fresh produce near you and deliver it to your door the same day. In no time, you’ll be adding a new fresh herb to your dish. Shop cilantro now.

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