October
2010 Newsletter
Food focus: Cilantro,
aka Coriander
Coriandrum
sativum, or coriander, is also known by its Spanish name
cilantro. There is research to suggest that both the
leaves and the seed contain antioxidants, and the leaves to have antibacterial
properties as well. It’s in this latter capacity that cilantro becomes a
possible remedy for bad breath. In Iran, this
plant has been summoned up to help with insomnia and anxiety. Another role for this versatile plant is as a
carminative. The British herbalist David
Hoffman describes this class of herbs as both stimulating and soothing to the
digestive tract “thereby easing griping pains and helping the removal of gas.” (The Herbal Handbook: the User’s
Guide to Medical Herbalism, Healing Arts Press, VT., 1987)
A
note of caution: coriander is one of the plants that can provoke an allergic
reaction. Furthermore, some people seem
to taste something quaite different than
what the majority tastes and those people detest the leaves. There is even a Facebook networking group
called “I hate cilantro.” So do be sure
to check with guests before building your dinner menu around it!
Recipe
of the Month: Cilantro Cream Sauce
1
bunch of cilantro (about one cup loosely packed after discarding stem ends)
¼
of a cup of heavy cream OR Greek yogurt
1
teaspoon of lime or lemon juice (optional with the yogurt)
Salt
and pepper to taste
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