Sweet, citrusy, floral, and highly aromatic - this is how we could describe whole coriander seeds. This spice is famous around the world for its unique combination of flavours. Coriander is a versatile spice that adds depth of flavour to any spicy or savoury dishes, even salads and some beverages. This article will teach you how to spice up your food with whole coriander seeds. So, read till last.

Coriander Origins

Whole coriander is a seed of the well-known herb cilantro or Coriandrum sativum plant. This is a yearly plant cultivated and harvested for its seeds and leaves. The origin place of coriander is believed to be in the Mediterranean region. The history of growing and using coriander seeds dates back to ancient Egypt, as the seeds were found in ruins dating back to 5000 BCE. From here, they were brought to Europe by Romans and cultivated in South European and North African regions. However, today they are grown worldwide. Some significant areas that widely grow coriander seeds are Central and Eastern Europe, South Asia, North America, and South East Asia. Among these regions, India is the largest producer, with about 25% of the world's production.

Coriander health benefits

Coriander is a renowned herb and spice in many cuisines. It imparts a fresh, lemony flavour that spices up our dishes. However, it was also used as a medicine in many ancient medicinal practices due to its various health benefits. Coriander seeds have many micronutrients and anti-bacterial properties, which help prevent various ailments. It aids in lowering blood sugar levels, digestion, cholesterol, and weight loss and fights free radicals and toxins.

How to use and store coriander seeds?

Coriander is a staple kitchen spice used in all your dishes. Therefore, knowing how to store and use whole coriander seeds is important.

How to process whole coriander seeds

Coriander seeds aren't as prevalent in use as their powdered counterpart. This is because the powdered spice is easy to use and imparts more flavour than whole coriander seeds. Moreover, the whole seeds feel unpleasant in bite and may ruin the eating experience. Therefore, it is ideal for grinding your seeds before using them in your dish.

To make ground coriander powder, you can use a simple mortar and pestle. In India, the seeds are generally dry-roasted before pounding. This breaks down the volatile oil and enhances the flavour of the spice. You can also twist some seeds in a pepper mill for a coarse texture. Or you can put them in a mixer grinder or spice blender to make a fine powder with some pulses.

How to store whole coriander seeds

You should be careful with storing coriander seeds. The spice can easily evaporate and lose its volatile oil if the storage is improper. Choose an airtight container to store whole coriander seeds. The air exposure can speed up the evaporation process, so you want to take out some portion for daily needs so that you don't open the spice container more often.

Like air, heat and light can also negatively affect coriander seeds and speed up oxidation. So make sure you don't place your container in an area where significant heat and light fall. This means keep it away from the stovetop and in a closed cabinet which you don't often open. Similarly, you also want to consider a place with minimal moisture as it can encourage fungi and mould in your spice.

How to cook with coriander seeds and powder

Although ground coriander is more popular than whole seeds, sometimes dishes call for the latter option for the texture and subtle flavour. Using whole spices has its own perks. With them, you can control the flavour and highlight various spice notes. You can tweak your food's aroma, flavour, and texture. Whole coriander seeds add a nice crunch with a sweet floral aroma and citrusy notes.

Raw seeds have a mild and light flavour but have a unique flavour. The roasting process deepens the flavour, but it easily blends in with the background of the dish. Therefore, roasting them before use is recommended. Toss them in a frying pan and roast them until the colour deepens and the spice becomes aromatic.

What dishes do whole coriander seeds go with?

Coriander adds a depth of flavour to many dishes. It has a pleasantly earthy flavour with butter, thyme, and lemon notes. The spice perfectly goes with chicken, fish, beef, pork, salads, and vegetables. There are so many dishes that coriander can be used in that it; 's hard to name a few. In India, coriander is a part of garam masala. This unique spice blend includes a variety of spices, including black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and many more.

Purchase Whole Coriander Seeds in Bulk

Coriander is a staple spice in various cuisines around the world. The article has discussed processing, storage, and using whole coriander seeds, but before all these comes purchasing the spice. If you want premium whole coriander in bulk, Kitchenhutt is here for you. We are a prominent supplier of bulk spices at wholesale rates across South Africa. Buy high-quality coriander seeds online from our website and get them delivered right to your doorstep. Visit our site now.