What is coriander? It doesn't always mean cilantro. Here's why.
When a recipe calls for coriander, what does that mean? That depends.
While the names coriander and cilantro can sometimes be interchangeable, they can have very different tastes – so make sure you're choosing the correct option prior to adding one or the other to your dish.
Women's health dietitian and nutritionist Valerie Agyeman, RDN, breaks down everything you need to know about coriander, cilantro and the difference between the two.
What is coriander?
The definition of coriander depends on where you're from. In many parts of the world, coriander is interchangeable with cilantro. But in the U.S., the leaves of the coriander plant are usually referred to as cilantro, while coriander is reserved for the name of the plant's seeds.
Cilantro leaves are an herb, while coriander seeds are typically used as a spice in cooking.
What does coriander taste like?
While cilantro leaves usually have a citrusy, refreshing taste (unless they taste like soap to you – more on that later), coriander seeds have more of a nutty, slightly spicy taste.
"Coriander seeds have a warm, slightly citrusy flavor totally different from fresh cilantro, which is more bright and herbaceous," Agyeman says.
Have no fear if you're part of the population with the "cilantro tastes like soap" gene. Coriander seeds don't need to be shut out of your kitchen along with the cilantro.
"That soapy taste is specific to fresh cilantro leaves," Agyeman explains. "Most people who don’t like cilantro can still enjoy the flavor of coriander seeds without any issue."