Kothimbir / कोथिंबीर / Cilantro / Coriandrum sativum L.

Kothimbir / कोथिंबीर / Cilantro / Coriandrum sativum L.

Other Names

  • Local Name: Kothimbir / कोथिंबीर
  • Common Name: Cilantro
  • Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum L.

Status & Habitat

  • Status: Common. Cultivated
  • Habitat: Herb
  • Occurrence: Wild areas
  • Season of Availability: Cooler parts of the year.
  • Geography: Southern Europe and Northern Africa to Southwestern Asia
  • Method of Propagation: Seed propagation
  • Part used for Propagation: Seeds are rubbed and halved and then planted

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Leaves
  • Can be Eaten Raw: Yes

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: Yes
  • Ripe: N/A
  • Both Raw & Ripe: N/A
  • Dangerous Form to Consume: N/A
  • As Food: Raw leaves are used to make thechas and chutneys
  • As Medicine: Plant oil can help with vision issues; good source of calcium, so it helps with bone problems; its essential oil helps with mouth ulcers.
  • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Not required
  • Boiling Before Cooking: No
  • Pickling: Yes, Seeds
  • Brining: No
  • Fermenting: No
  • Drying for later Consumption: Yes, Seeds
  • Overall Method: Use raw as garnish or in salsa/pesto; use as a spice for curries and pickles; ground seeds act as a seasoning.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin A, C and K.
  • Medicinal Benefit: Diuretic, Good for Eyesight, Heart ailments, Digestive Issues, Headaches

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Plant oil can help with vision issues; good source of calcium, so it helps with bone problems; its essential oil helps with mouth ulcers.

Recipes / Usage

  • Tribal Recipe / Usage: Kothimbir Vadi:
    Combine chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric, red chili powder, sesame seeds, peanuts, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt in a bowl. Add coriander leaves, green chilies, and ginger paste. Mix well and add water for a thick batter. Pour 1 tbsp of oil over batter. Grease a plate, spread batter, and steam for 15-20 mins. Cool and cut into shapes. Fry in oil until golden and crisp.