Cilantro/Coriander

Culinary Usage: Cilantro is a'dual-use' plant, as both the leaves (usually called cilantro) and seeds (usually called coriander ) are used in cooking. It is used across many cultures, but is most commonly found in Asian (from Chinese to Indian) and Latin American foods. Some people detest the taste of cilantro - it can be quite pungent and is a unique flavor. Planting Time: APR-SEPT (in central Maryland) Harvest Time: MAY-NOV (in central Maryland) Spacing: 12" upload photo Gardening Tips: Cilantro is not a difficult plant to grow but there are quirks to growing it that are worthy of note: Seeding: Cilantro seeds (coriander) can be dropped straight into the garden with a bit of soil swept on top - this is readily apparent in my garden where cilantro tends to re-seed itself after the plants drop coriander seeds. However, some gardeners seem to have a harder time starting seeds and report that soaking, breaking, or scratching the seeds aids in germination rates (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarification_(botany). Bolting: Cilantro tends to bolt very quickly, especially in the warmer months. Picking often may help, and some varieties (e.g. 'Calypso') claim to be slow bolters. Cilantro leaves should not be picked once stalks start to form in earnest - the leaves are not as flavorful and eventually get bitter. Seeds from plant that bolt quickly should be used for cooking, and seeds from slower bolters should be saved for replanting to encourage the selection of genes for slow bolting cilantro in next years crop. Fertilizer Notes: Fertilizer is generally unecessary for cilantro Preservation Notes: You can preserve cilantro in ice cube trays with water or oil. It will lose some color, but the flavor should be good. Matt's Garden Notes: Matt's 2013 Map 2013: I noticed that I shouldn't grow cilantro as early as I do - it works, but it always bolts by the time I actually need it -- when the tomatoes, peppers, and onions are ready. So in 2014, I should really stagger planting better. The seeds weren't ready from the early crop until late July. Recipes using Cilantro/Coriander: Cilantro-Lime Rice Matt's Salsa Fresca Elote Tomatillo Salsa Canning Salsa Alton Brown's Guacamole Cold Cucumber Dill Soup Roasted Pork BBQ Tomatillo Salsa II Burned Red Tomato Salsa Burned Tomatillo Salsa Bobby Flay's Jalapeno Hot Sauce White Bean Chili Pork Meatball sandwiches Cheesy Poblano Chicken Fajita steak marinade Mexican chorizo

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