Coriander Whole

Coriander is one of the oldest of herbs and spices. The fruit of the coriander plant contains two seeds which, when dried, are the portions used as the dried spice. When ripe, the seeds are yellowish-brown or tan in colour with longitudinal ridges.Coriander seed has a warm and subtle flavour with a slight citrus hint. It has an aromatic scent that is soothingly warm, nutty, slightly fruity, and complex. Coriander seeds are available throughout the year, in whole or in ground powder form.The commonest use of coriander is in curry powders, where it is the bulkiest constituent. The seeds can be used in stews and soups. They blend well with smoked meats and game and feature in traditional English black pudding recipes and Italian mortadella sausage. Coriander is an ingredient of garam masala, pickling spices and is used in cakes, breads and other baked foods. Coriander compliments chili and is included in many chili recipes such as harissa, the hot North African red pepper sauce. Coriander busts intestinal gas and stimulates the appetite. It can be used for making a medicinal tea to soothe an upset stomach, to treat indigestion, and mild gastrointestinal upsets. Coriander is known to lower blood sugar by stimulating the secretion of insulin. As a matter of fact, it is called an "anti-diabetic" plant, helps the heart by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. Coriander can also be used to treat bacterial and fungal infections.