Cilantro vs Culantro: Unraveling the Herbal Mystery

In the world of culinary herbs, cilantro and culantro often cause confusion due to their similar names and shared family ties. However, these two herbs have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let’s dive into the differences between cilantro and culantro, exploring their unique flavors, uses, and growing habits.

Cilantro: The Popular Herb

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a widely used herb in various cuisines around the world. Its delicate, lacy leaves and fresh, citrusy flavor make it a staple in many dishes.

Botanical Characteristics

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb with delicate, feathery leaves. It grows to about 12-18 inches tall and has a tendency to bolt quickly in hot weather.

Flavor Profile

Cilantro has a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of pepper. Some people describe it as soapy, which is due to a genetic variation in taste perception.

Culinary Uses

Cilantro is a versatile herb used in many cuisines, particularly in Asian and Mexican dishes. It’s commonly used in salsas, guacamole, curries, and as a garnish for soups and salads.

Growing Cilantro at Home

Cilantro is relatively easy to grow at home. Here are some tips:

• Plant in spring or fall, as cilantro prefers cooler temperatures.
• Choose a variety like Calypso, which is slower to bolt.
• Sow seeds directly in the garden or in containers.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

 

Culantro: The Lesser-Known Cousin

Culantro, also known as recao or Mexican coriander, is less common than cilantro but offers a unique and intense flavor profile.

Botanical Characteristics

Culantro (Eryngium foetidum) is a biennial herb with long, serrated leaves. It grows in rosettes and can reach up to 1-2 feet tall.

Flavor Profile

Culantro has a stronger, more pungent flavor compared to cilantro. It’s often described as a more intense version of cilantro with earthy undertones.

Culinary Uses

Culantro is popular in Caribbean and South American cuisine. It’s used in marinades, sauces, and stews, and is a key ingredient in sofrito, a popular base for many Latin American dishes. Learn more about cooking with culantro to explore its unique flavors.

Growing Culantro at Home

Culantro can be more challenging to grow than cilantro, but it’s possible with the right conditions:

• Provide partial shade, as culantro prefers cooler temperatures.
• Keep soil consistently moist.
• Start seeds indoors and transplant outside when temperatures are warm.
• Be patient, as culantro grows slower than cilantro.

Comparing Cilantro and Culantro

Appearance Differences

Cilantro has delicate, lacy leaves, while culantro has long, serrated leaves. Cilantro grows upright, and culantro forms a rosette.

Flavor Intensity

Culantro has a much stronger flavor than cilantro. It’s often used in smaller quantities due to its intensity.

Culinary Applications

Both herbs are used in various cuisines, but cilantro is more common in Mexican and Asian dishes, while culantro is prevalent in Caribbean and South American cooking.

Availability in Markets

Cilantro is widely available in most grocery stores, while culantro can be harder to find and may require a trip to specialty markets or Latin American grocery stores.

Cooking with Cilantro and Culantro

Experimenting with both herbs can add exciting flavors to your cooking. Here are some recipe ideas:

Cilantro Recipe Ideas

• Fresh Cilantro Salsa
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Thai Cilantro Chicken

For more cilantro recipe inspiration, check out our posts

Culantro Recipe Ideas

• Puerto Rican Sofrito
• Vietnamese Pho with Culantro
• Caribbean-style Culantro Chutney

Substitution Tips

While cilantro and culantro have distinct flavors, they can sometimes be substituted for each other. Use about 1/3 the amount of culantro when substituting for cilantro due to its stronger flavor.

Storage and Preservation Methods

Both herbs can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in slightly damp paper towels and placed in a plastic bag. Culantro tends to have a longer shelf life than cilantro.

Conclusion

While cilantro and culantro share some similarities, they are distinct herbs with unique characteristics and culinary applications. Cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy flavor perfect for lighter dishes, while culantro brings a bold, intense taste to heartier meals. By understanding the differences between these two herbs, you can enhance your cooking and explore new flavors in your kitchen.

Whether you’re growing your own herbs or experimenting with new recipes, both cilantro and culantro have much to offer. For more herbal inspiration and gardening tips, explore Burpee’s herb collection and start your culinary herb adventure today!