Discover the Benefits of Coriander Seeds

WHAT TO DO WITH CORIANDER SEEDS & HOW TO GROW THEM?

CORIANDER SEEDS for planting

Coriander, or cilantro, is a common herb with various health benefits. Leaves and seeds of this greenery have unique advantages for our bodies and mind. But most people use cilantro leaves in cooking only. Let’s check what to do with coriander seeds and how to grow this herb from seeds here. Don’t waste a rich source of nutrients in your garden. 

WHAT TO DO WITH CORIANDER SEEDS & HOW TO GROW THEM?

I. Coriander Seeds Benefits

Cilantro seed has many life-saving benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, B, and K, and micronutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, etc. Therefore, this herb is an abundant source of nutrients. Then, it improves the following aspects of health.

• Lowering blood sugar to prevent type-2 diabetes.
• Reducing the risk of cancer and cellular damage by free radicals due to immune-boosting antioxidants.
• Improving heart health to prevent fatal heart diseases. 
• Protecting the brain from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and brain inflammation.
• Improving digestive system and gut health.

Cilantro seed is good for health when you use it properly. Let’s learn how to use coriander seeds to enjoy all these health benefits. 

II. What to do with coriander seeds for consumption?

Making cilantro seed tea and seasoning food are the two main ways to use this natural ingredient for health improvement. Here are how to make cilantro herbal seed tea and use it as seasoning in cooking. 

2.1. How to make coriander seed tea?

The easiest way to use dried cilantro seeds is by making herbal tea. The first step is preparing the following ingredients and equipment for this herbal tea. 

• 1-2 teaspoons of cilantro seeds.
• Honey/sugar.
• A pot or kettle to boil water.
• Freshwater.
• Tea infuser or a fine-mesh strainer.

Then, follow these steps to make cilantro seed tea. 

1. Boil water in a pot or kettle.
2. Use the back of the tablespoon to crush 1-2 teaspoons of cilantro seeds.
3. Put the crushed seeds in a tea infuser or into a teapot directly.
4. Pour the boiling water over the infuser containing these seeds.
5. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes.
6. Take out the infuser or pour the tea through a tea strainer to remove the seeds.
7. Add some honey or sugar to sweeten the tea if desired.
8. Enjoy hot or cold.

You had better drink this herbal seed tea in the morning. It supports weight loss and regulates the blood sugar level in your body.

2.2. How to use coriander seed for cooking?

Cilantro seed is also a common spice in Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. It adds flavor and aroma to soups, steak, brews, and salad. You can also use cilantro seeds in pickles and salts. 

Here are some tips for using green or dried coriander seeds in cooking.

• Chop green cilantro seeds and add them to salsa, mayonnaise-based dressings, sauces, and dips.
• Add floral flavor to raw fish, tartare, and sushi with crushed green cilantro seeds.
• Crush a handful of green coriander seeds and add them to the pickles.
• Mix fresh seeds with bell pepper, corn, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream in a salad. 
• Toast and grind dried cilantro seeds to season curry and baked dishes. 

You can try this spice in Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern recipes. These seasonings add a floral aroma to these dishes. 

III. Can you grow cilantro from coriander seeds?

Growing cilantro greenery from dried coriander seeds is a preferred cultivation method. Then, take care of your cilantro garden to get fresh herbs and green seeds. Let’s learn how to sow this seed at home here. 

3.1. Preparation

It would be better to start seeds directly outdoors. Firstly, you must prepare seeds, soil, and tools to sow this herbal seed in your garden. Choose a place with full sun and partial shade to create vegetable furrows. 

• Soil: Loosen a well-draining soil bed with a garden fork. Remove weeds and fertilize them with well-rotted manure or compost. Slightly moisten the soil. 
• Seeds: Soak the dried plant seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.
• Watering can, PPE gloves, and masks. 

Get dried coriander seeds from your previous crop, or buy dried seasonal seeds from The Rike to grow this herb. 

3.2. Sowing

Avoid sowing seeds in extreme weather. Choose a cool and cloudy day to sow the seed. Then, follow these steps to plant this vegetable at home:

1. Sow the seeds about 0.25 inches deep and maintain a 6-inch space between holes.
2. Water lightly but regularly to maintain the moisture of the vegetable furrows.
3. When the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out and keep them 8 inches apart.
4. Cilantro leaves are mature enough for harvesting after 6-8 weeks.

Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, so it would be best to plant it in the spring or autumn in most regions. This herb may bolt quickly in hot weather. 

3.3. Caring 

The herb will grow and produce healthy leaves and seeds with enough care. Here are some tips to keep your cilantro garden growing strong and healthy.

• Watering: Maintain moisture but avoid overwatering.
• Fertilizing: Apply organic compost every month.  
• Sunlight: Provide shade in the hot season.
• Inspection: Monitor the growth of the herb and treat pests or diseases.

Control the vegetable’s growth to get the best leaves and seeds. Learn how to harvest two main products of this herb below. 

3.4  Harvesting

Cut the mature stalks to get fresh leaves and leave young stalks to continue growing. If you want to harvest the seeds, wait until they turn brown and ripe. Follow these steps to gather and dry coriander seeds on your land.

1. Cut off the flower head with fully ripe seeds.
2. Tie bunches of cilantro brown stalks with the fully ripened seeds.
3. Cover these bunches with plastic bags.
4. Hang these herb bunches upside down in an airy and sunny place. 
5. When all flower heads turn dried, shake the bag to release dried seeds into the bag. 

Stored dried herbal seeds you have collected in an air-tight container, such as a glass jar or zip bag. Then, put the container in a dry and cool dark place. Dried coriander seeds last up to 3 years. 

VI. Conclusion

What to do with coriander seeds includes cooking, making tea, and growing. You can use green and dried herbal seeds for cooking and making tea. But you have to use fully ripe seeds for growing this seasoning vegetable. Dry them thoroughly before storage to prevent worms and mold. You can also buy high-quality seeds of this herb from The Rike if you do not have a cilantro garden at home.