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Cilantro Alternative

© Laurel Morris

The traditional coriander or cilantro is notorious for bolting (going to seed) even before enough leaves are harvested to make it worthwhile. There is a great alternative to this dilemma, however, and it comes in the form of a larger-leaved perennial. For those who love using lots of cilantro in salsas and other dishes, this is a must have plant!

It's also called Puerto Rican Coriander, culantro, Black Benny, Long Coriander, Mexican Coriander, and Recao in the Caribbean. It's in the same family as cilantro (apaceae or umbelliferae), but a whole different plant. Its botanical name is eryngium foetidum, and the good news is that it's a perennial, although a tender one.

DESCRIPTION

This tender perennial has long 4-5 inch leaves, serrated and smooth. It grows to a height of six to eight inches, and has a thistle-like bloom stock. Since it is in the umblelliferae family, culantro is also good for attracting beneficial insects.

GROWING

Culantro can be planted in full sun to part shade and prefers well drained soil. This plant is known to bolt also, espeically in warmer weather. By cutting off the seed heads as soon as they form (early flowering stage) bolting can be pushed back, and a fuller plant will form. Fresh seed should germinate easily, but if using stored seed, it may need a period of cold to stimulate germination.

HARVESTING

Leaves can be used fresh as needed or dried and stored. Also a paste can be made by taking the leaves and mashing them in a mortar and pestle, or put in a blender with a small amount of olive oil or water. Add garlic cloves and salt to taste and blend; roll in plastic wrap and freeze. Just slice off as needed.

USES

Culinary uses vary from Mexican salsas and recipes to Central and South American and Carribbean dishes, and used in Far Eastern recipes. This is a taste which seems to take getting used to, as the flavor and aroma are very strong. Its flavor is similar to cilantro, but stronger and is used in soups, curries, rice, and fish dishes. In recipes calling for traditional cilantro should possibly be cut in half, since culantro is said to be much stronger.

Medicinal uses: This plant is sometimes known as "fitweed" because of its traditional use in treating epilepsy, and is listed within the medicinal plants of the Amazon. It has also been used as a remedy for high blood pressure, colic and gas, fever, and spasms.