Coriander

Listing ID #3200409

The history of coriander crosses several continents and a number of centuries. Hippocrates, the Ancient Greek physician, recommended the use of coriander as a medicine. Pliny mentioned that the highest quality coriander to be found in Italy was that which was grown in Egypt. Coriander seeds appear to have been quite prized by the Egyptians as they have been found in tombs of the 21st dynasty.
Late Bronze Age invaders introduced coriander into Britain. The invaders used coriander to flavor their barley gruel. The British mixed coriander with cumin and vinegar and used to preserve meat. Farmers in the Essex, England region refer to coriander by the name of Col. Thought to be an aphrodisiac, coriander was added to love potions during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Robert Turner would appear to agree with this assessment and said that when consumed with , coriander "stimulates the animal passions."
The Israelites used coriander in their cooking. The Book of Numbers compares coriander with manna. And, the Chinese believe that those who consume coriander seeds will be rewarded with immortality. Gerard described coriander as a "very stinking herb" but did discuss the merits of the dried seed. The history of coriander moves to South America when the Spanish conquistadors introduced the flavorful herb to Mexico and Peru. Once there, coriander quickly became an integral ingredient in their chili and other dishes.