Ingredient guide / Culinary herbs
Coriander leaves (cilantro): flavour, uses and substitutes
Boldly green and citrus-like; people perceive it very differently.
Coriandrum sativum
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Three identifying features
- Rounded lobed lower leaves
- Delicate light green stalks
- Distinct green citrus-like scent
Fresh or dried?
Use fresh or frozen leaves; they are not interchangeable with coriander seed.
When should it go into the pan?
Fold in when serving; finely chopped stalks can go into a sauce.
What does it go with?
Salsa, lentils, rice dishes and lime dips.
Cuisines & dish ideas
Try it as a fresh finish for Mexican-inspired salsa or South Asian-style lentils.
What can replace it?
Parsley with a little lime zest gives a different flavour.
How should it be stored?
Keep the bunch cool and loosely wrapped, or chop and freeze.
Recipes using it
The ingredient list names this herb or spice. Check the recipe for fresh or dried form and quantity.
Sources and notes
Sources
- NC State Extension · Coriandrum sativum · Accessed 2026-10-25
- BZfE · How-to Kräuter · Accessed 2026-10-25
Image: AI-generated (OpenAI). Image note: The illustrations were created with AI. They show culinary ingredients and are not a guide to identifying wild plants.