Coriander is an annual herb in the chamomile family. Although it grows all over the world, coriander doesn’t really like the heat. It is an annual plant with a relatively short growing season, as it prefers cooler spring and autumn temperatures. It grows in light, well-drained soil in full sun, self-seeds and germinates again the following spring. Coriander is grown in south-eastern Europe and is widely used throughout the world, especially in China, India, Pakistan and Europe. The seeds are rich in minerals such as iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. Other dried spices are usually deficient in vitamin C, but coriander seeds contain a very high amount – 100 g of seeds contains 35% of the recommended daily intake.
The dried seeds are gently roasted before use and then ground to produce an aromatic, fine powder, which also releases the essential oils from the seeds.
