Coriander
Hindi Name: Dhania
Botanical name
Coriandrum sativam L
Family name
Apiaceae
Commercial part
Leaf and seed
The name 'coriander' is based on the Greek work 'kopis' which means
'bug'. In the countries of Europe, Northern Africa, West, Central and
South Asia coriander seeds is an important spice. The cultivation of
coriander dates back to ancient species in the Mediterranean region.
Coriander has a mention in the holy bible and is known since the Middle
Ages.
Coriander leaves (also called coriander green) are popular in almost
all parts of Asia and is used in India, Thailand, Vietnam and parts of
China in the form of garnish for variety of dishes. Besides the use of
leaves for decorating dishes coriander is also used as the dried ripe
fruit of the annual herb with several branches and serrated leaves.
The aroma of this fruit is warm, nutty and spicy while the leaves have
a strong odor. As a fragrant spice, coriander is today valued as much
for its medicinal properties as for its use as a condiment. Coriander
finds extensive application in several kinds of foods, beverages,
liquors and perfumes and requires full exposure to sunlight but with
less heat and medium-to-heavy loamy soil, good drainage and
well-distributed moisture.
In India Coriander is an essential part of curry powder, Indian
masalas, in Ethiopia it is used for berebere, which much resembles the
Indian spice mixtures apart form being used in Latin American cuisine.
Roasting or frying of coriander is much practiced in India and Sri Lanka
to enhance the flavor.
Coriander is a thriving crop in the Indian subcontinent because of the
availability of the required environment and climatic conditions. Major
producers of coriander in India are the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Madhya Pradesh.
The main importers are USA, the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and
Middle East. Besides coriander as such, India also exports its powder
and essential oil.
| Name in International
Languages |
| Spanish: |
Culantro |
| French: |
Corriandre |
| German: |
Koriander |
| Swedish: |
Koriander
|
| Arabic: |
Kuzhbare |
| Dutch: |
Koriander |
| Portuguese: |
Coentro |
| Russian: |
Koriandr |
| Japanese: |
Koendoro |
| Chinese: |
Hu- sui |
|
