Coriander ( Coriander sativum ) is an aromatic herb widely used in oriental cuisine but still little known in our tradition, but it is also easily grown in our garden. Because of its healthy properties, this plant, also called “Chinese parsley”, deserves to be introduced more often in gardens and tested as a condiment in our dishes, also drawing inspiration from foreign recipes.
Those who want to try growing and enjoying cilantro can follow some of the tips below to get it easily, even with organic farming techniques. The leaves and seeds can be eaten from this aromatic. Coriander leaves have a strong and distinctive smell, not appreciated by everyone, but which lends itself to various types of condiments. The seeds of the fruit are very aromatic, they are small hard balls that grind like pepper.
The plant is annual, herbaceous, with an erect, branched stem, about 40-60 cm high. A culture for family needs does not take up much space and can easily take a corner of the mixed aromatic bed, or even a pot on the balcony.
When blooming in spring-summer, it emits small pinkish-white flowers, united in umbrellas (in fact, the species is part of the Umbelliferae family, like cumin and fennel). The fruit obtained consists of two small yellow-brown achenes united in a sphere.
Contents [Ocultar]
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Climate and soil suitable for cultivation
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How and when to sow
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cultivation operations
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Collect and store the spice
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leaf collection
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seed harvest
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Contents
Climate and soil suitable for cultivation
Do not consider coriander as an exotic species, it is a plant that can easily live in our climates. This aromatic is not particularly demanding with respect to the soil, and also in exposure it adapts quite well.
However, depending on the light it receives, certain parts of the plant are better valued than others. For this reason, if we cultivate it to collect the seeds, it is necessary to dedicate a space to the sun, while if we are interested in coriander leaves, it is better to place it in partial shade. Depending on the variety, coriander is more or less resistant to cold: varieties with large fruits are more sensitive than small ones.
How and when to sow
The best season to sow cilantro is spring, between March and May depending on the latitude where you are. Early planting too early when ambient temperatures are still low is counterproductive, but even late planting that encounters heat is not recommended, as the plants would go to seed early before forming beautiful foliage.
Planting can be done directly in the garden , that is to say “at home”, with the two different methods: row sowing and spreading. The possibility of first planting the seedlings and then transplanting them is not excluded, but taking into account the fact that this is a fairly densely grown species, planting it in the garden is also more effective and is done in the same way as planting parsley. .
The way it must first be shaken well and cured to provide the culture with a good substrate for germination. In addition to the previously incorporated fertilizer, it is useful to add a few handfuls of granulated organic fertilizer to the soil .
Planting In lines A distance of 25-30cm makes the crop cleaner and allows you to deal with wild weeds later. From one seed to another, it is difficult to leave a predetermined space. Also because not all coriander seeds germinate 100% and leaving the space could lead to unnecessary failures. For this reason it is better to leave about 1 cm between one seed and another, and in case of too dense birth thin out the seedlings.
In the case of pot culture or in a very small rectangle of the mixed aromatic bed, propagation seeding is also very good, maximizing the limited space available.
cultivation operations
Cannabis control . Between planted rows, a hoe or weeder can be used to remove wild grass. This also has the function of aerating the soil and breaking the surface crust, which is formed mainly in loamy and clayey soils, where it is not uncommon to see obvious cracks.
Fertilization. During the growth of the crop, it is not necessary to add other nutrients to the soil, except for some macerated nettles or other plants, with which we can do a kind of fertigation.
Irrigation. With regard to water, it is necessary to intervene often but without large volumes of irrigation. The ideal is to place the drip irrigation pipes and, when opening the taps, always rely on the state of humidity of the soil, one of the best indicators that guide us in choosing a to water and how much.
Collect and store the spice
Coriander is an aromatic herb that is worth twice as much: you can harvest both the seeds and the leaves, two products with different flavors and uses and both of which deserve to be discovered.
leaf collection
The leaves can be harvested at any time of the season, by cutting the bunches with a knife or scissors, as is done with parsley. The care is not to cut the stems from the scraped earth, but above the vegetative heart, to ensure new shoots and continue the cultivation.
Since ancient times, coriander has been used to relieve disorders of the digestive system, such as abdominal swelling and digestive difficulties, but if taken in large quantities it can interfere with certain medications and in these cases it is good to consult a doctor.
seed harvest
When harvesting coriander seeds, it is best to choose cool morning hours after the dew has dried. Cut darkened umbrellas and hang them to dry in loose bunches and optionally wrapped in dust cloths. The appropriate place is a cool, ventilated room in the shade. After drying is completed, the umbrellas are beaten and the seeds are extracted, which are then placed in jars or glass jars and stored in a cool, dark place.
Not everyone knows that coriander is one of the ingredients that make up the famous curry, along with black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, fenugreek and chilli. Used alone, the seeds can flavor soups, meat dishes, marinades and other dishes.