Cilantro - pronounced [sih-LAHN-troh] This member of the carrot family is also referred to as Chinese Parsley and Coriander. It is actually the leaves (and stems) of the Coriander plant. Cilantro has a very pungent odor and is widely used in Mexican, Caribbean and Asian cooking. The Cilantro leaves look a bit like flat Italian parsley and in fact are related.

Taste and Aroma Cilantro's taste is a fragrant mix of parsley and citrus.

Coriander is considered an aid to the digestive system. It is an appetite stimulant and aids in the secretion of gastric juices.

In the Middle East the Cilantro leaves are used in pickles, curries, and chutneys. In Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. it is used in everything from salsas and salads to burritos or meat dishes.