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Coriander
Chinese Parsley/Cliantro/Dhaniya
I wonder if there is single household in India that can do without this herb. Both seeds and leaves are used in cooking and the flavor and benefits of both of these differ a lot.
Coriander, an annual herb is a part of indigenous as well as international cuisine. The plant is wholly edible and both the seeds and the leaves are extensively used as a seasoning as well as a medicine. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. Latter being more fragrant and full of flavor. It is one of the basic spices of the Indian cuisine. This easy grown spice has anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits
No herb finds a niche in Indian cuisine without any benefits and this hold true for coriander.Coriander helps the body increase insulin in a way that when one consumes coriander, this will stimulate the endocrine glands that will help your pancreas produce more insulin. So, if you have someone with sugar issues in the house just pluck a fist full of Cliantro and season up there gravies or soups with it. Coriander seeds aide digestion and help with female disorders. A concoction of coriander seeds, cinnamon, cumin and carom seeds can resolve all your period issues.
How to grow?
Coriander can easily be grown in the comfort of a balcony.Coriander thrives well in temperatures between 17° to 27°C. It is difficult to germinate it during harsh summers but still can be grown indoors in some areas. Split the seeds into two by slightly crushing them and sprinkle on a pot/ground in and area that enjoys morning sun. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil. Seeds germinate by a week to ten days. Cliantro is an easy herb with no special maintainance. Just make sure you don't end up ovewatering as it may lead to root rot. It needs a well draining soil for the same reason.For a steady supply, we suggest planting small patches every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.
Harvest
Coriander leaves can be harvested when the plant has become six inches tall. At this height, the leaves of the herb will be tender and least bitter. Seeds can be harvested once coriander plant develops flowers and seed heads. The seeds can be harvested once they are brown.Seeds can be dried as a spice or the germinate for the next batch.