WHAT IS CULANTRO?
Also known as Mexican or sawtooth coriander, culantro has a somewhat similar flavor but isn’t related. This Carribean ingredient can be added during cooking. Growing up to a foot in height and with a shape like saw-tooth lettuce, a minority of people who try it, like with cilantro, won’t like it. In the same family as carrots, celery and parsley, it is native to the West Indian tropics.
WHY IS CULANTRO GOOD FOR YOU?
It’s rich in calcium, carotene and iron. A popular homeopathic remedy, the juice is supposedly used as a treatment for scorpion stings!
WHEN IS CULANTRO IN SEASON?
Plant after the last frost in a shaded area, and it’ll be ready to harvest in 3 months.
HOW SHOULD CULANTRO BE STORED?
Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in your refrigerator for several days.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CULANTRO AND CILANTRO?
While they are completely different in appearance, their flavors are somewhat similar. Culantro however is stronger in flavor and will survive when cooked in a dish. So if substituting culantro for cilantro in a recipe, use less.