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    Kothimbir / कोथिंबीर / Cilantro / Coriandrum sativum L.

    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

    • Tribal Recipe: 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 15-20 mins. Cool and cut into shapes. Fry in oil until golden and crisp.