Last Updated on July 8, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Do you love cilantro? This fragrant, flavorful herb can be used in many different dishes. There are several different types of cilantro, and each one has its own unique flavor and uses. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of cilantro and their differences. We will also explore some recipes that use cilantro for its delicious flavor!
What is cilantro?
Cilantro is an herb that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a strong, pungent flavor that some people describe as soapy. Cilantro is also known as coriander or dhania.
The leaves of the cilantro plant are what are most commonly used in cooking, but the seeds can also be used. Cilantro is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Cilantro can be used in a variety of dishes, including salsa, guacamole, and enchiladas. It is also a common ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Cilantro can be added to salads or used as a garnish. It is also a common ingredient in pesto.
Facts about cilantro:
Cilantro is an annual herb in the parsley family.
The plant grows to between 50 and 60 cm (20 and 24 in) tall, with thin stalks and small, green leaves. The leaves are divided into numerous small leaflets.
Cilantro is native to regions of southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia.
It is widely cultivated in many places, including China, India, and the United States.
Cilantro has a strong, pungent flavor that some people find unpleasant.
The leaves are used fresh or dried in many cuisines.
Cilantro is a source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Cilantro is also a good source of dietary fiber.
In traditional medicine, cilantro has been used to treat digestive disorders, anemia, and inflammation.
Types of cilantro
There are many different types of cilantro, and each has its own unique flavor. Some common varieties include Chinese cilantro, Thai cilantro, and Persian cilantro. Each of these has a slightly different taste, so it is important to choose the right type of cilantro for your dish.
1. Calypso Cilantro
What is calypso cilantro?
Calypso cilantro is a type of cilantro that is grown in the Caribbean. It has a strong flavor and is used in many dishes.
What are the benefits of calypso cilantro?
Calypso cilantro has many benefits. It can help to improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, calypso cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and C, and it can also help to detoxify the body. If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious herb to add to your kitchen garden, calypso cilantro is a great choice!
How to identify calypso cilantro
To identify calypso cilantro, look for plants with lanceolate leaves that are 20-60 cm long. The leaves of calypso cilantro are used in cooking and have a milder flavor than other cilantro varieties.
The plant also produces small, white flowers. Calypso cilantro is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
How to grow calypso cilantro
Calypso cilantro is a fast-growing plant, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it and harvest regularly to prevent it from going to seed. When growing calypso cilantro, start with young plants or seeds.
If you’re starting with seeds, sow them indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix.
Calypso cilantro prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
If you live in a warm climate, you can grow calypso cilantro year-round. In cooler climates, it will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather, so it’s best to grow it as a spring or fall crop.
2. Caribe Cilantro
What is Caribe cilantro?
Caribe cilantro is a type of cilantro that is native to the Caribbean. It is also known as Cuban oregano, Jamaican oregano, or Mexican mint. Caribe cilantro has a strong flavor and is often used in Latin American cuisine.
Caribe cilantro is a member of the mint family and has a strong flavor that is similar to oregano. It is often used in Latin American cuisine, such as Cuban dishes. Caribe cilantro can be found fresh or dried in most Latin markets.
How to identify Caribe cilantro.
The leaves of Caribe cilantro are larger than those of other varieties of cilantro. The plant also has a more robust flavor. Caribe cilantro is native to the Caribbean islands and is grown in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
How to grow Caribe cilantro.
Caribe cilantro is a delicious, aromatic herb that can add zest to any dish. But did you know that it’s also incredibly easy to grow? Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be harvesting your own fresh cilantro in no time!
To start, find a spot in your garden that gets full sun. Caribe cilantro prefers warm weather, so if you live in a cooler climate, you may want to consider starting your plants indoors. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, simply sow the seeds about ½ inch deep and water them regularly.
Within a few weeks, you should see little seedlings poking through the soil. Once they’ve grown to about six inches tall, you can begin harvesting the leaves. Just snip them off at the stem, being careful not to damage the plant.
3. Culantro
What is culantro?
Culantro is a tropical herb that is closely related to cilantro (coriander). It has a strong, pungent flavor and is used in many cuisines, including Caribbean, Asian, and Latin American.
While culantro and cilantro have similar flavors, culantro is more intense and has a slightly bitterness to it. It is also more pungent than cilantro, so you will need to use less of it in recipes.
Culantro is commonly used in soups, stews, and sauces. It can also be added to salads, salsas, and marinades.
How to identify culantro.
To identify culantro, look for a long, thin plant with serrated leaves. The leaves of culantro are similar to cilantro, but they are much narrower and have a stronger flavor.
How to grow culantro
Culantro is a tropical herb that is related to cilantro. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is often used in Latin American cuisine. Culantro can be difficult to find in stores, but it is relatively easy to grow at home.
To grow culantro, start with a seedling or young plant. Plant it in a pot or in the ground in a warm, sunny location. Water regularly and fertilize monthly. Harvest the leaves when they are about six inches long.
4. Delfino cilantro
What is Delfino cilantro?
Delfino cilantro is a type of cilantro that is used as an herb. It is also known as Mexican coriander, Culantro and Eryngium foetidum.
Delfino cilantro has a strong flavor and is often used in dishes from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
How to identify Delfino cilantro.
To identify Delfino cilantro, look for its lacy, deeply divided leaves. These leaves are what give the plant its characteristic fernlike appearance. The leaves of Delfino cilantro are also quite fragrant, with a citrusy aroma that is reminiscent of lemon verbena.
If you crush a leaf between your fingers, you should be able to smell its fragrance. Another way to identify Delfino cilantro is by its flowers, which are small and white, borne in clusters at the tips of the plant’s stems.
What are the benefits of Delfino cilantro?
Native to regions spanning from central Asia to northern India, Delfino cilantro has been used as a culinary herb for centuries. The leaves of the Delfino cilantro plant are delicate and lacy, with a slightly nutty flavor. The stems are thin and hollow, making them ideal for use in soups and stews.
Delfino cilantro is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, and potassium.
5. Indian Summer Cilantro
What is Indian summer cilantro?
Indian summer cilantro is a type of herb that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a strong flavor and is very fragrant. Indian summer cilantro is also known as coriander leaves or dhania.
Indian summer cilantro is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia. It is widely cultivated in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The leaves of the plant are used fresh or dried in many dishes. Indian summer cilantro is a very popular herb in Indian cuisine and is used in many curries, stews, and soups.
The strong flavor of Indian summer cilantro can be overpowering for some people. If you find the flavor to be too strong, you can add a little lemon juice or vinegar to balance it out. Indian summer cilantro is a very versatile herb and can be used in many different dishes. Give it a try the next time you make an Indian dish!
How to identify Indian summer cilantro.
To identify Indian summer cilantro, look for a plant with long, thin leaves and stems. The leaves of this plant are usually a deep green color, and the stems are typically red or pink in color. Indian summer cilantro is also known for its strong, pungent smell.
If you detect this scent coming from a plant, it is likely that it is Indian summer cilantro. Another way to identify this plant is by its small, white flowers.
These flowers typically bloom in the summer months. Indian summer cilantro is native to India, but it can now be found growing in many other parts of the world.
What are some of the benefits of Indian summer cilantro?
Indian summer cilantro has a host of benefits that include:
-It can help improve digestion.
-It has anti-inflammatory properties.
-It is a good source of antioxidants.
-It can help boost the immune system.
-It has anti-cancer properties.
6. Leaf Cilantro
What is leaf cilantro?
Leaf cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley or dhania, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae.
It is native to regions spanning from southern Europe and northern Africa to southwestern Asia.
In India, leaf cilantro is used extensively in both culinary and medicinal applications.
The leaves have a pungent, slightly citrusy flavor that is often used as a finishing touch to dishes.
Leaf cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron.
It also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
How to identify leaf cilantro.
To identify leaf cilantro, look for small, oval-shaped leaves with a pointy end. The leaves are green and have a slightly citrusy smell. When crushed, the leaves release a pungent, earthy aroma. Leaf cilantro is often used as a garnish or added to salads and soups for flavor.
7. Leisure Cilantro
What is leisure cilantro?
Leisure cilantro is a type of herb that is often used in cooking. It has a strong, pungent flavor that can add a lot of depth to dishes. Cilantro is also known for its health benefits, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals.
How to identify leisure cilantro.
To identify leisure cilantro, look for small, dark green leaves with a strong smell. The plant will also have a thin stem and white flowers. If you see these characteristics, then you have found leisure cilantro!
What are the benefits of leisure cilantro?
Leisure cilantro can help improve your digestion and metabolism, as well as improve your skin health. Additionally, cilantro is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It can also help detoxify your body by helping to remove heavy metals from your system.
8. Long-Standing Cilantro
What is long-standing cilantro?
Long-standing cilantro is a type of herb that is used in many different cuisines. It has a strong flavor and can be used in both cooked and raw dishes.
How to identify long-standing cilantro.
To identify long-standing cilantro, look for a plant that is at least 18 inches tall with a strong central stem. The leaves should be dark green and deeply lobed, and the flowers should be white or pale lavender. If you see any of these characteristics, you have found long-standing cilantro!
9. Mexican Coriander
What is Mexican coriander?
It is a plant that is native to Mexico and Central America. The leaves of this plant are used in many traditional Mexican dishes.
How to identify Mexican coriander.
To identify Mexican coriander, look for a plant with small, white flowers and long, thin leaves. The leaves of Mexican coriander are serrated and have a strong aroma.
If you crush the leaves, they will release a citrusy smell. Mexican coriander is native to Mexico and can be found in other parts of Latin America.
10. Moroccan coriander
What is Moroccan coriander?
Moroccan coriander, also known as harrissa, is a chili pepper paste that originates from Tunisia. It is made from a blend of roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as cumin and caraway seeds. This paste is used as a condiment or seasoning in many Tunisian dishes.
How to identify Moroccan coriander.
To identify Moroccan coriander, look for its distinctive small, oval leaves. The plant also has a strong smell, which some people compare to lemon. If you’re still not sure, ask a local vendor at your nearest Moroccan market. They’ll be able to tell you if the herb you’re looking at is indeed Moroccan coriander.
11. Potluck Coriander
What is potluck coriander?
Well, it’s a type of coriander that is commonly used in potlucks. It’s a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes, and it’s also very easy to grow.
How to identify potluck coriander.
To identify potluck coriander, look for a plant with dark green, deeply lobed leaves. The plant will likely have a strong smell, and the leaves may be slightly furry to the touch.
12. Santo Cilantro
What is santo cilantro?
Santo cilantro is a variety of cilantro that is native to Mexico. It is also known as Mexican coriander or culantro. The leaves of the santo cilantro plant are used in Mexican cuisine, and it has a strong flavor that some people compare to soap.
13. Seed Coriander
What is seed coriander?
Seed coriander is a spice made from the seeds of the cilantro plant. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is used in many Asian cuisines.
Seed coriander is an excellent source of antioxidants and has many health benefits. It can help improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and boost immune system function.
Seed coriander can be used in cooking or as a garnish. It is often used in curries, soups, and stir-fries.
14. Slo-Bolt Cilantro
What is slo-bolt cilantro?
Slo-bolt cilantro is a type of cilantro that has been specifically bred to have a slower bolt, or flower, cycle. This means that it will produce leaves for a longer period of time before going to seed.
15. Vietnamese Cilantro
What is Vietnamese cilantro?
Vietnamese cilantro, also known as Vietnamese coriander, is a type of herb that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
It has a strong, pungent flavor and aroma that is similar to regular cilantro, but with a slightly sweeter taste. Vietnamese cilantro is often used as a garnish or added to soups, salads, and stir-fries.
How to identify Vietnamese cilantro.
To identify Vietnamese cilantro, look for a plant with long, slender leaves and small white flowers.
The leaves of Vietnamese cilantro are used in cooking, and they have a milder flavor than the more common type of cilantro. If you’re looking for a plant to add to your culinary arsenal, Vietnamese cilantro is a great option.
Cilantro vs coriander
While they are both herbs, they have very different flavors. Cilantro has a strong, pungent flavor that is often described as soapy. Coriander, on the other hand, has a milder flavor with hints of citrus.
So which one should you use in your cooking? That depends on your personal preference. If you like strong flavors, then cilantro is the way to go. If you prefer milder flavors, then coriander is a better choice.
FAQs about cilantro
Is all cilantro the same?
No, all cilantro is not the same. Just like any other herb or vegetable, there are different types of cilantro with different flavors.
For example, Vietnamese cilantro has a stronger flavor than the common variety of cilantro found in most grocery stores. When cooking with cilantro, it’s important to choose the right type for the dish you’re making. Otherwise, you may not get the flavor you’re looking for.
Is ground coriander same as cilantro?
The answer is both yes and no. Coriander and cilantro are actually two different names for the same plant. The plant is known as coriander in its seed form, and cilantro when referring to the leaves. So ground coriander is simply finely ground up seeds of the coriander plant, while cilantro powder would be ground up leaves.
While they come from the same plant, coriander and cilantro have different flavors. Coriander has a citrusy, nutty flavor, while cilantro tastes more like mint or parsley.
What’s the difference between cilantro and culantro?
Cilantro and culantro are two herbs that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have quite different flavors. Cilantro has a light, citrusy flavor that is often used in Mexican and Asian dishes. Culantro, on the other hand, has a stronger, more pungent flavor that is common in Caribbean cuisine.
Related: 10 Different Types of Oregano Plants: Their Uses and Benefits (Pictures)
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Three different types of cilantro that can add a delicious zing to your next dish. Whether you prefer the more traditional taste of Curly Leaf cilantro or the peppery flavor of Chinese cilantro, there’s sure to be a type of cilantro that will suit your taste buds. So get out there and experiment with this versatile herb! Your taste buds will thank you.