Coriander

Coriander is an important spice crop having a prime position in flavoring food. The plant is a thin stemmed, small, bushy herb, 25 -50 cm in height with many branches and umbels. Leaves are alternate, compound. The whole plant has a pleasant aroma. It is a native of Mediterranean and commercially produced in India, Morocco, Russia, France, Central America, USA, Mexico, and various other Eastern European nations. This tropical crop can be successfully cultivated as a rabi season crop in an area free from severe frost during February when the crop flowers and sets it seeds. The youngest plant is used for flavoring and garnishing curries as well as soups. The seeds of this plant are widely used as condiments with or without roasting in the preparation of curry powders, sausages, and seasonings. It is an important ingredient in the manufacture of food flavorings, bakery products, meat products, sodas and syrups, puddings, candy preserves and liquors. The plant is also known to come with medicinal values with being used as a carminative, refrigerant, diuretic, and aphrodisiac. In household medicines, it is used against seasonal fever, stomach disorders and nausea. Coriander oil and oleoresins are primarily used in seasonings for sausages and other meat products.