Coriander is the fruit (seed) of the cilantro plant, a popular culinary
herb in southwestern U.S. and Mexican cooking. The name for the seed is
adapted from koris, the Greek word for “bed bug” and is a reference to
the scent of fresh cilantro leaves reputedly being similar to that of
linens infested with this urban parasite. The seed, however, does not.
In terms of flavor, coriander seed is equally far apart from cilantro.
The whole seed has an earthy and citrusy taste that deepens with
cooking. It is best used whole or freshly ground braised or slow-cooked
meats, vegetables and/or beans.
