Organic Cilantro

Description

Cilantro is comprised of small leaves attached to long and slender green stems. The leaves vary in size, with the base leaves being larger, while the leaves at the top of the stems are smaller and more delicate. The dark green leaves are generally broad, flat, and deeply lobed with feathery, serrated edges and smooth and crisp consistency. In addition to the leaves, the pale green stems are edible and provide a crunchy, succulent texture. Cilantro has a sweet, vegetal, and pungent aroma and an earthy, herbaceous, and bright, grassy taste. The leaves often contain peppery, tangy, and citrus-like nuances, and to some palates, Cilantro bears an acrid and unpleasant soapy taste.

Additional information

Properties

Some health benefits of cilantro may include:

Brain Health

Although further research is still needed, several studies have connected eating cilantro with reduced symptoms of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Blood Sugar Management

Cilantro is so well-known for its ability to lower blood sugar that people with low blood sugar or those taking diabetes medications are warned to be careful with the herb.

Prevent Foodborne Illnesses

The cilantro plant contains duodenal, an antimicrobial compound that may help protect your body against infections and illnesses caused by tainted food. The compound is effective against Salmonella, a microbe that can cause life-threatening food poisoning.

Nutrition

Cilantro contains vitamins A, C, and K, and the leaves also have folate, potassium, and manganese.

Nutrients per Serving

1 tablespoon of cilantro contains:

• Calories: 0
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 grams

Things to Watch Out For

People with low blood sugar should be cautious with how much cilantro they eat. The plant contains enzymes that can reduce blood sugar, so it should be eaten in moderation if you are concerned about low blood sugar.

Recipes

Fresh cilantro is often paired with lime as an addition to curries, soups, and Asian dishes. Although both the leaves and stems are edible, the stems have a somewhat bitter flavor. Many people prefer to strip the leaves from the plant before adding to recipes, or to chop and add the stems sparingly.

Try these ways to use cilantro in your favorite recipes:

• Sprinkle chopped cilantro on Mexican dishes and salsas to add a fresh flavor.
• Make a spring roll by wrapping whole sprigs of cilantro with cooked pork, cucumber, carrot, and vermicelli noodles.
• Mix cilantro and lime to make a delicious seasoning for grilled fish.
• Chop cilantro and mix it into cooked rice with butter and lime zest.
• Puree cilantro with roasted carrots, onion, and garlic to make a hearty soup.