Coriander

Coriander is a versatile herb often used as a garnish or flavoring agent in dishes around the world. Its distinctive aroma and delicate taste make it an essential ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes, from Mexican tacos to Italian pasta dishes. But how does coriander and its many forms travel from the farm to our dinner plates? Let's take a closer look at the journey of the humble Coriander to explore the process from seed to spice.

The Journey from Seed to Spice

Growing Coriander

Coriander, also called cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a flowering plant that belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae). Native to regions in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, coriander is farmed for its leaves and seeds which are used for culinary, medicinal, and other purposes.

To begin the journey, coriander seeds are sown in dry or moist soil, depending on the region and climate. The seeds can be securely sown in small pots or beds, or they can be prepared as separate rows in an open field. When sown in open fields, the soil should be well-aerated with a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 to ensure optimal seed germination. Planting is done in the late spring or early summer in colder climates. In hotter climates, the planting season occurs in the late summer or early autumn.

When the seeds have germinated, the young plants are transplanted into the final field location. Established plants should be spaced between 10 and 15 centimeters apart from each other. The soil should be kept moist during the growth period, but not overly wet. Coriander plants need a good supply of minerals and nutrients to perform healthily. When preparing the soil for coriander planting, it’s important to add organic matter such as compost or manure, which helps to lower soil acidity and encourages vigorous root growth. Farmers may also add a layer of mulch such as straw or hay around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and prevent weeds from taking hold.

Harvesting and Processing Coriander

Coriander plants are ready to be harvested when the seed heads have turned brown. This indicates that the seeds are mature and have reached the right texture. If allowed to ripen too long, the seeds may split and be damaged or lost. The seeds are usually cut from the stem and dried in the sun or in a warm, dry place. Coriander seeds are often plucked in small quantities by hand and then stored in jute bags or cardboard crates.

Once harvested, the coriander needs to be cleaned and processed. The first step is to pass the coriander through a cleaning machine to remove any debris or foreign bodies such as stones, leaves, or twigs. Different types of sieves are then used to separate out the different sizes of coriander seed. Once the desired seed has been separated out, it can then be packaged into smaller containers for sale or shipping.

Shipping and Distributing Coriander

Once the coriander has been processed and packaged, it's ready to be shipped to its destination. Coriander is a fragile product, so it requires careful handling and storage. For long-term storage, it needs to be properly packed and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and insect infestations. It can also be vacuum sealed to prolong its shelf life.

For short-term storage during transportation, coriander should be stored in either lined wooden boxes or corrugated cartons depending on the size of the shipment. It must also be labeled with clear instructions for the shipping company on the proper transport times and temperatures.

Once the coriander has arrived at its destination, it needs to be distributed to shops and markets for buyers to purchase. Here, the coriander can be sold as fresh or dried herbs in bunches, as crystalized stems and leaves, as seeds or powder, or as an essential oil or extract.

Preparing and Cooking with Coriander

Once we have purchased our coriander, it is time to prepare it for cooking. Fresh leaves can be used as is, while the seeds need to be ground into a powder before they can be used.

When adding coriander to dishes, it's important to remember that the flavor can become intense depending on the amount and type of cooking. To get the most out of the spice, it is best to add the coriander during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will help preserve its flavor. For some dishes, the leaves are added fresh for taste and color.

Finally, there’s no better way to bring out the delicate taste of coriander than to use it to garnish your dishes. The leaves and seeds can be sprinkled over the top of a dish to give it a bright, refreshing flavor which will set it apart from ordinary dishes.

Reaching Our Dinner Plates

Coriander is a flavorful and aromatic ingredient which plays a starring role in our favorite dishes. From its humble beginnings as a seed, coriander takes a long journey before it finally reaches our dinner plates. It has to be grown, harvested, processed, shipped, and distributed before it can be enjoyed in all its glory. The careful steps along the way ensure that coriander brings us a unique and flavorful experience to be savored and enjoyed.