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Seed | Coriander Santo
  • Seed | Coriander Santo
Seed | Coriander Santo

Seed | Coriander Santo

$3.99 CAD
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Coriander Santo is a superior variety known for its abundant foliage and excellent resistance to bolting. These seeds produce robust plants with aromatic leaves ideal for cooking.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), also known as “coriander santo” in Mexico and Central America, has a rich and ancient history dating back thousands of years. Here's a look at its history:

  • Origins
    Antiquity: Coriander is native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. Evidence of coriander has been found in archaeological sites dating back to 5000 BC in Egypt, where it was used as a spice and medicinal plant. The Egyptians even placed it in tombs to accompany the deceased.
    Use in Ancient Cultures
  • Greece and Rome: The Greeks and Romans also valued coriander. They used it in their cooking and attributed medicinal properties to it. Hippocrates and Dioscorides mentioned coriander in their writings for its therapeutic properties.
    Expansion
  • Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, coriander spread throughout Europe. It was used in cooking, but also in medicinal potions, often considered a remedy for various ailments.

Discoveries: When European explorers began traveling to the New World, they brought cilantro with them. It quickly found its way into the cuisines of indigenous peoples, particularly in Mexico.

  • Coriander Santo: In Mexico, coriander is often called “coriander santo” or simply “cilantro.” It is a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine, used in dishes like salsas, tacos, and soups. Its fresh, citrusy flavor is enjoyed in many traditional dishes.
  • Properties and Uses
    Culinary and Medicinal: In addition to its culinary uses, coriander also has medicinal properties. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive effects. It is sometimes used to help relieve digestive problems or as a detoxifier.

Today, cilantro is cultivated and used worldwide, prized for its distinctive flavor and health benefits. Whether used in Asian, Mediterranean, or Latin American cuisine, cilantro remains a staple ingredient, reflecting its rich and varied history.
PROPERTIES

Coriander santo, or coriander (Coriandrum sativum), has several recognized medicinal properties. Here's a look at its benefits:

  • Antioxidant
    Coriander is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and other phytochemicals, which help fight oxidative stress in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
    It contains essential oils, such as coriander, which have anti-inflammatory effects. This can help relieve joint pain and inflammation.
  • Improved Digestion

Coriander is often used to improve digestion. It can help reduce bloating, gas, and other digestive discomforts thanks to its carminative properties.

  • Detoxification
    It is known for its detoxifying effects, helping to remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. This can be beneficial for overall health and organ function.
  • Blood Sugar Regulation
    Studies suggest that cilantro may help regulate blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes.
  • Antimicrobial Effects
    Coriander has antimicrobial properties that can help fight certain bacteria and fungi, thus contributing to digestive health.
  • Benefits for the Skin
    Used in infusions or topical applications, coriander can help treat certain skin conditions thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Immune System Support
    Thanks to its richness in vitamins and minerals, coriander helps strengthen the immune system, helping the body better defend itself against infections.

Use
Coriander can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into an infusion to reap its health benefits. It is commonly used in cuisines around the world, providing a unique flavor while also offering health benefits.

In summary, coriander santo is a plant with multiple medicinal benefits, in addition to its culinary use, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
HOW TO COOK?

Coriander, especially in Mexican cuisine (where it is called “cilantro” or “coriander santo”), is an essential ingredient. Here are some traditional ways to use it in cooking:

  • Salsa Verde
    A fresh sauce made with green tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, cilantro, and lime. It pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, and grilled meats.

Ingredients :
500 g of green tomatoes
1 onion
2-3 chili peppers (to taste)
50 g fresh coriander
Juice of 1 lime
Salt
Instructions :
Boil the tomatoes and chilies until tender.
Drain and mix with the onion, coriander, lemon juice and salt.
Serve chilled.

  • Tacos
    Cilantro is often used as a topping in tacos, along with meat (such as beef, chicken, or pork), onions, and sometimes radishes or lime.

Instructions :
Prepare your meat (grilled or cooked).
Fill warm corn tortillas with the meat.
Add chopped onions, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

  • Tortilla Soup
    This spicy soup is topped with tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.

Ingredients :
1 liter of chicken broth
2 tomatoes
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 chili pepper (to taste)
100 g fresh coriander
Tortillas cut into pieces
Avocado and cheese for garnish
Instructions :
Brown the onion, garlic and chili pepper in a saucepan.
Add the tomatoes and broth, then simmer.
Serve with tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.

  • Coriander Rice
    A simple dish where the rice is flavored with coriander and lime.

Ingredients :
1 cup of rice
2 cups of water
50g fresh coriander, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt
Instructions :
Rinse the rice and cook it in water according to the instructions.
Once cooked, stir in the coriander and lemon juice.
Serve hot as a side dish.
5. Salads
Cilantro is often added to salads, especially black bean salads or fruit salads.

Instructions :
Mix your favorite vegetables (like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions).
Add chopped coriander and season with lemon and olive oil.

These traditional dishes highlight the unique, fresh flavor of cilantro, an essential ingredient in Mexican and other Latin American cuisines. Enjoy!
HOW TO GROW?

Did you know that;

  • Coriander does indeed have a particularity that makes it suitable for a variety of climates, including colder regions like Quebec. Here are some things to consider:
  • Cold Resistance
    Hardiness: Although cilantro is an annual plant, it can tolerate cool temperatures, making it a viable candidate for spring and fall gardening and part of winter in Quebec. It can survive temperatures down to about -5°C.
  • Growing Cycle: Coriander can be sown in early spring, when temperatures begin to warm, or in late summer for a fall harvest. This allows you to enjoy its flavor before the harsher winter frosts.
  • Winter Protection
    To maximize harvest, some gardeners opt for protective techniques, such as plastic tunnels or cloches, to extend the growing season and protect plants from frost.
    In short, coriander is a versatile plant that can adapt to Quebec's climatic conditions, bringing a fresh and tasty touch to many dishes.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

Culture tip:

Technique for crushing coriander seeds before sowing:

Before sowing coriander seeds, it is recommended to lightly crush them to promote better germination. Here's how to do it:

Choose a suitable medium: Use a mortar and pestle or rolling pin to crush the seeds. It is important to use a clean and suitable medium to avoid any contamination of the seeds.

Lightly crush: Place the coriander seeds in a mortar or pestle. The goal isn't to crush the seeds into powder, but to break them slightly to break the outer shell. This allows moisture to better penetrate the seed and encourage germination.

Do not overcrush: Be careful not to crush too hard. The seeds should remain in pieces or slightly cracked, but not reduced to a fine powder. Overcrush can impair their ability to germinate properly.

Sow immediately: Once the seeds are crushed, sow them immediately into the soil. They will germinate more quickly and evenly thanks to this preparation. Finally, this method isn't necessarily mandatory, but it will produce good results, especially in heavier or compacted soils.

  • Species: Coriandrum sativum (annual)
  • Sowing: Early March-until April (You can grow indoors year-round)
  • Seeds: 5-10 seeds per pot, final transplanting into an outdoor pot or into the ground around mid-May. If you want to have cilantro during the cold season, you can re-sow around the beginning of August-September depending on the hardiness zones and put your plant in the ground in a cold frame greenhouse or use the plant that spent all summer outside and put it back in the ground in a greenhouse outside around the beginning of October.
  • Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
  • Germination time: 10-15 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and well-drained
  • Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
  • Spacing between plants: 10-15 cm
  • Height at maturity 35-45 cm
  • Maturity: 40-50 days
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 100

Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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