Crushed Cilantro
Coriandrum sativumClinical Encyclopedia
Crushed cilantro is a popular herb known for its fresh, citrusy flavor and is widely used in various cuisines around the world. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to meals.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
To prepare crushed cilantro, wash the leaves thoroughly, chop them finely, and crush them using a mortar and pestle or a food processor to release their essential oils.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose fresh cilantro with vibrant green leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing.
Store cilantro in a glass of water in the refrigerator, covered loosely with a plastic bag, or wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds
Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.
May have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Possesses antioxidant effects.
"Cilantro is one of the oldest herbs used in cooking, dating back over 3,000 years."
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad with crushed cilantro, lime juice, and colorful vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, crushed cilantro, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- 2. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Toss everything together until well mixed and serve chilled.
Cilantro Avocado Hummus
A creamy and nutritious hummus made with crushed cilantro and avocado, perfect for dipping or spreading.
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- 1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, avocado, tahini, crushed cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
- 2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- 3. Serve with fresh veggies or whole-grain pita chips.
Cilantro Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a cilantro-lime mixture, offering a burst of flavor and protein.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, mix the crushed cilantro, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 3. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
Cilantro and Black Bean Tacos
Healthy tacos filled with black beans, crushed cilantro, and fresh veggies, wrapped in corn tortillas.
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Salt to taste
- 1. In a bowl, mix black beans, crushed cilantro, corn, and salt.
- 2. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet.
- 3. Fill each tortilla with the black bean mixture and top with avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.
Cilantro Pesto Zoodles
A healthy twist on pasta using zucchini noodles tossed in a vibrant cilantro pesto.
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup crushed cilantro
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a food processor, blend crushed cilantro, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 2. Toss the spiralized zucchini with the cilantro pesto until well coated.
- 3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Cilantro-Lemon Grilled Salmon
Flavorful grilled salmon fillets marinated in a cilantro-lemon dressing, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, whisk together crushed cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Marinate the salmon fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- 3. Grill the salmon for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Cilantro Infused Brown Rice
Nutty brown rice cooked with crushed cilantro for a fragrant and healthy side dish.
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and add brown rice, toasting it for 2-3 minutes.
- 2. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked.
- 3. Stir in crushed cilantro and salt before serving.
Cilantro and Mango Chutney
A sweet and tangy chutney made with fresh mango and crushed cilantro, perfect as a condiment or dip.
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 1. In a bowl, combine diced mango, crushed cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt.
- 2. Mix well and let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 3. Serve as a dip or topping for grilled meats.
Cilantro Yogurt Dip
A creamy yogurt dip infused with crushed cilantro, perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crushed cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Stir until well combined and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 3. Serve with fresh vegetables or whole-grain crackers.
Cilantro Infused Vegetable Stir-Fry
A colorful vegetable stir-fry featuring crushed cilantro for a fresh flavor boost, served over brown rice or quinoa.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed cilantro
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add mixed vegetables and ginger, sautéing until tender.
- 2. Stir in soy sauce and crushed cilantro, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- 3. Serve over cooked brown rice or quinoa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is cilantro used for?
Cilantro is commonly used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, especially in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Can cilantro help with digestion?
Yes, cilantro may aid digestion and help alleviate bloating due to its carminative properties.
Is cilantro safe to eat raw?
Yes, cilantro is safe to eat raw and is often used in salads and garnishes.
How should I store crushed cilantro?
Store crushed cilantro in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Can cilantro cause allergies?
Some individuals may be allergic to cilantro, especially those with allergies to related plants.
What nutrients are in cilantro?
Cilantro is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as several essential minerals.
How can I use cilantro in cooking?
Cilantro can be used in salsas, salads, soups, and as a garnish for various dishes.
Does cilantro have any health benefits?
Yes, cilantro has antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body.