re: What's the deal with cilantro?

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Maybe you should try growing your own. This is the perfect time of year to give it a try.

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I tried years ago. In our warm weather, it would immediately go on a growth spurt, bloom, and go to seed within days.

I read it may do better in winter around here, but I never tried.

Here is what Bonnie Plantssays:

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One of the surprises that most gardeners get from cilantro is that it moves through its life cycle so quickly, especially in spring. If you are lucky enough to live in a mild winter climate, fall and winter give you the longest season to harvest.

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I grow it fall through winter, then let it flower & go to seed (it is doing this right now). About half of the seeds I collect to replant, the other half I shake around the herb beds. It self-sows beautifully, and I have a naturalized fall crop that pops up on its own now. There are bunches of self-seeded cilantro in my compost heap's edges, along the edges of the sidewalks, in the lawn, etc.

I did start with seeds from a relatively heat tolerant vietnamese variety purchased from Baker Creek heirloom seeds.

I'm in the cilantro fan club as well. Like others have mentioned, fall through spring is best in Louisiana.

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It's the most delicious herb in the world, IMHO.

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+1

Then, call it coriander.

Coriander, or "coriandolo", are the dried seeds of the same plant. It's also delicious and versatile, and I put it in everything from curry rice and spaghetti sauce to cookies.

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Then, call it coriander.

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That's what makes the gravy grander.

Hate it

If I bite a mouthful, I mouth literally foams up. Nasty stuff