Coriander Flavours

An excellent companion plant offering many benefits and aromas at all stages of its short cycle.

Coriander plant fruiting in the garden • Photography © Bottle and Brush Studio 2022

I love to sprinkle freshly picked coriander leaves from the garden on various dishes. For many people, the herb tastes like soap (lol), but to me, the aroma adds a fresh tone. Generally, the herb is used raw for garnishing and the mature seeds, whole or ground, for cooking. The leaves and the spice taste differently, which makes the plant cycle short worth it. And that is not all! The whole plant is edible and a super companion in a veggie garden as it attracts beneficial insects and repels pests. The tiny white flowers are beautiful and when the little seed fruits start to form, the whole plant has an ornamental charm. The stems are even solid enough to hold in a floral arrangement. I like sowing a bunch around long-stemmed summer flowering plants like elephant garlic, dahlias and dill, as they provide a visual impact and act as support. When the fruits are mature, I harvest the dried seeds for re-sowing and cooking. I usually get two cycles in a year, but success depends on the weather conditions and planting location. Coriander can be a little fussy sometimes and loves cooler weather to germinate and start its cycle.

Enjoying fresh coriander from the garden • Photography © Bottle and Brush Studio 2019-21

GROWING & COOKING TIPS

I love to sprinkle freshly picked coriander leaves from the garden on various dishes. For many people, the herb tastes like soap (lol), but to me, the aroma adds a fresh tone. Generally, the herb is used raw for garnishing and the mature seeds, whole or ground, for cooking. The leaves and the spice taste differently, which makes the plant cycle short worth it. And that is not all! The whole plant is edible and a super companion in a veggie garden as it attracts beneficial insects and repels pests. The tiny white flowers are beautiful and when the little seed fruits start to form, the whole plant has an ornamental charm. The stems are even solid enough to hold in a floral arrangement. I like sowing a bunch around long-stemmed summer flowering plants like elephant garlic, dahlias and dill, as they provide a visual impact and act as support. When the fruits are mature, I harvest the dried seeds for re-sowing and cooking. I usually get two cycles in a year, but success depends on the weather conditions and planting location. Coriander can be a little fussy sometimes and loves cooler weather to germinate and start its cycle.

Beneficial coriander • Photography © Bottle and Brush Studio 2019-22

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