Are you growing cilantro in your herb garden? Well, look no further! Cilantro leaves mature and produce flowers and seeds. Those seeds, are in fact coriander.
Here we'll show you what to look for when harvesting, especially if you want to save the seeds in your spice cabinet.
- Once you've had your fill of cilantro, stop harvesting your herb and let the plants continue to mature.
- A central stalk will grow up the middle, forming delicate white flowers. These blossoms attract important pollinators, another added benefit for letting cilantro bolt!
- Next, the flowers will turn into 'fruit' which then dry and become the seeds. The purple-ish immature seeds on the ends of the stems are edible and will provide a burst of flavor to any dips, meats or salads.
- When the seeds are brown and dry, it is time to harvest. Cut stems to collect over a bowl. Because these seeds are dry, they will store for a long time in an air-tight jar in your spice cabinet.
- If you care to use ground-coriander, use a coffee grinder to blend into a powder. Coriander is delicious in soups, roasted vegetables, and many common Latin American & Indian dishes.
A honey bee caught in the act--pollinating the cilantro flowers!
Comments (2)
Hi Martha,
That is a great question. Since, at the point in which you are harvesting coriander seeds, you are done with harvesting the greenery of the cilantro plant, you can really just cut all the way at the bottom of the stalk. As long as you are cutting below the growth of the seeds, then you should be fine. Let us know if you have any other questions.
Happy Harvesting!
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