Description

Coriander is the seed of Coriandrum sativum, a plant in the parsley family. The seed is globular and almost round, brown to yellow red, and 1/5 inch in diameter with alternating straight and wavy ridges. Coriander has a warm, fragrant odour and a mild, sweet yet slightly pungent taste. Coriander seed is a spice in garam Masala and Indian curries, which often employ the ground fruits in generous amounts together with cumin. It acts as a thickener. Roasted coriander seeds, called dhana dal, are eaten as a snack. It is the main ingredient of the two south Indian dishes and Coriander seeds are boiled with water and drunk as indigenous medicine for colds.