Coriander is native to regions spanning from southern Europe and northern Africa to southwestern Asia. It is a soft plant growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from the center of the umbel longer (56 mm or 0.200.24 in) than those pointing toward it (only 13 mm or 0.0390.118 in long). The fruit is a globular, dry schizocarp 35 mm (0.120.20 in) in diameter. The dry fruits are known as coriander seeds. The word coriander in food preparation may refer solely to these seeds (as a spice), rather than to the plant. The seeds have a lemony citrus flavour when crushed, due to terpenes linalool and pinene. It is described as warm, nutty, spicy, and orange-flavoured. Coriander seed (dhania) Enhances the flavour of any dish especially when combined with cumin.Benefits Aids digestion and helps reduce high cholesterol.
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
