Coriander is an annual herb popularly grown and prized for its culinary and medicinal use. It is also known as cilantro in North America. It is native to North Africa and Southwest Asia. Coriander is always used fresh, as its leaves lose the flavor and aroma on drying. Coriander is never cooked as it also diminishes its flavor. It is used in the end for flavoring the dish.

 

Indian Name: Dhania

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Family Name: Apiaceae

Parts Used: Leaves

Habitat: Southwestern Asia

 

Trade in Coriander

 

Global Scenario

 

Coriander seeds are also used in whole or powdered form for food seasoning and flavoring. Canada, Morocco, India, Pakistan, Bulgaria and Romania are the major coriander producing countries. Russia is the prime producer of coriander oil used in liquor, pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

 

Indian Scenario

 

India is a major coriander powder producing country. Production is done in a number of states on a commercial basis. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Madhya Pradesh are major Indian production areas. A significant percentage of the total coriander produced is used for domestic consumed and the rest is exported.

 

Uses of Coriander

Food

 

All parts of the herb are edible and widely used in a number of cuisine for flavoring and aroma. Coriander Powder is also used for garnishing. Fresh leaves are used as a main ingredient in Vietnamese food, Asian chutney and other dishes. The roots of the herb are also used in Thai cuisine. Coriander seeds are used as a condiment in pickle spices, seasonings, curry powders, sausages, cakes, pastries, biscuits, buns and alcoholic beverages like gin.

 

Medicine

 

Dhania Seeds is known to possess antibacterial properties and has been used in traditional medicine to relieve anxiety and insomnia. Dhania powder also helps to clear the body of lead, mercury and aluminum.

 

Pharmaceutical

 

Dhania Powder is used as a flavoring agent in a number of pharmaceutical preparations, especially the digestive medicines.