Highlights
1. Coriander and parsley both belong to the Apaceae family and are commonly used for cooking and garnishing purposes, but they have differences in appearance and usage in cooking.
2. Coriander is an annual plant, while parsley is an annual plant in tropical and subtropical areas and a biennial plant in temperate regions.
3. Coriander is more pungent and intensely flavored than parsley, and it is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Latin American cuisine, while parsley is more popular in European and North American cuisine.
Introduction
Parsley and coriander are two essential herbs in the culinary world. They belong to the Apaceae family and are commonly used for cooking and garnishing. While they may appear similar and have some similar uses, there are differences that become evident upon closer inspection.
What is Parsley?
Parsley, scientifically known as Petroselinum crispum, is a herb, spice, and vegetable. It is widely used in Middle Eastern, American, and European cooking. Parsley has bright green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. There are two cultivar groups of parsley: leaf parsley and root parsley. Leaf parsley can be further divided into curly leaf parsley and flat leaf parsley. Leaf parsley is commonly used as a garnish and flavor enhancer in dishes like soups, rice dishes, and steaks. Root parsley, specifically hamburg root parsley, is used as a root vegetable and can be eaten raw or used in soups and stews.
What is Coriander?
Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, is an annual plant that is native to regions spanning from Southern Europe and North Africa to south western Asia. It is also known as cilantro, Chinese parsley, or dhania. Both the coriander seed and the leaves are used in various types of cuisine and medicines. Coriander is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, Caucasian, Mediterranean, Portuguese, African, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Caucasian, Central Asian, Mediterranean, Latin American, Chinese, and Scandinavian cuisine. The fresh leaves have a strong flavor with citrus overtones and are used in abundance in Indian dishes, chutneys, and salads.
What is the difference between Coriander and Parsley?
– Coriander is an annual plant, while parsley is an annual plant in tropical and subtropical areas and a biennial plant in temperate regions.
– All parts of coriander are used in cooking, while only the parsley leaf is used.
– Coriander has a more pungent and intense flavor compared to the mild, grassy flavor of parsley.
– Coriander has a deeper green color, while parsley is bright green.
– Curly leaf parsley has more rounded leaves, while coriander leaves have sharper serrations. However, coriander leaves are more rounded compared to flat leaf parsley.
– Coriander is native to Southwestern Asia, Southern Europe, and North Africa, while parsley is primarily used in Middle Eastern, European, and American cooking.
– Coriander is more commonly used in Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Latin American cuisine, while parsley is more popular in European and North American cuisine.
