And did you know that there may actually be a genetic reason you are either attracted or repelled by it? Some people have a gene that makes them sensitive to aldehydes, which give Cilantro (Coriandrum sat) their odor.
Our perceptions of it can also change over time and people who don’t like it immediately are urged to crush it before eating—causing an enzymatic reaction to occur that converts its odor to a more mild one.
And like many smelly green things, Cilantro is good for you! Cilantro has been used since ancient times medicinally, and has many uses in traditional medicines even today. This is great news, as it is one of the most widely used herbs in the world—used in cuisines such as Indian, Thai, Caribbean, Mediterranean, North African and Eastern European.
It’s heart healthy and can aid in digestion, so hold your nose and enjoy some cilantro!
#cilantro #coriander #medicinalplants #medicinalspices #ethnobotany #ethnopharm #India #Thailand #Caribbean #Mediterranean #Africa #EasternEurope
photo by Bridgette Lynn