Description
Coriander seed is a culinary spice from the small round tan seed of the coriander plant that is a key ingredient in Indian, African, and Middle Eastern cooking.
What does coriander seed taste like?
The flavor of coriander seed is warm, nutty, spicy, and earthy with a hint of citrus notes and a scent that is floral, crisp, and spicy.
Where does coriander seed come from?
Native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia.
Coriander spice is also a member of the parsley family.
Coriander seed or coriandrum sativum is the dried fruit of the coriander plant.
Coriander Spice Uses
Coriander spice is a seasoning central to Indian cooking, used within garam masala, and tempered into curry bases.
Roasting the seeds will intensify their flavor and aroma and they can then be used in dishes such as pickling, brining, sausages, curries, chillis, soups, stews, marinades, spice blends, vinaigrette, condiments, and dal.
Coriander Seed Substitutes
- Fennel seed: a sweet similarity similar to coriander with anise notes.
- Caraway seed: from the same plant as coriander with hints of spice.
- Cumin seed: replicates the earthy taste, although it lacks the citrus and lemon flavor.
Coriander Seed Compliments and Pairings
The seed is versatile and applied to many cuisines across the world, ingredients that compliment include pork, beef, lamb poultry, fish, ginger, garlic, orange, cabbage, chili, lentil, coconut, cumin, pulses, potato, lime, lemon, carrot, honey, onion, pepper, and tomato.
Coriander Seed Expiration and Storage
- Ground: less pungent than whole seeds, store in an airtight container away from moisture or direct light, use within six months.
- Whole seeds: store in an airtight container away from moisture or direct light, use within a year.
Fun Facts About Coriander Seed
- Coriander seeds were one of the original secret ingredients in Coca-Cola.
- The Bible mentions coriander seeds and they have been discovered to have been in use as long as 7000 years ago.
Popular Coriander Seed Recipes
- Dhana dal
- Dhana jeera
- Boerewors
- Dukkah
- Batata Harra
- Radish and coriander pickle
- Belgian wheat beer
- Coriander seed chutney
- Red cabbage and coriander seed
- Cumin and coriander honey
- Orange coriander cookies