A rarity in German hobby gardens so far, coriander is the most used spice worldwide. The leaves outperform the seeds. We have compiled useful information about the origin and the best varieties for you here.

A spice plant with Mediterranean charm

It is very likely that coriander started its triumphal march around the world from the eastern Mediterranean. From here the spice found its way to the palace gardens of a Babylonian king 5,000 years ago, as evidenced by ancient clay tablets. In addition, the ancient Egyptians valued the leaves and seeds so much that they used coriander as burial objects. The famous pharaoh Tutankhamun was also supposed to eat from the spice on his journey into eternity.

The Chinese got to know and love coriander around 400 AD. The British mentioned the spice plant in 1066 AD, whence it was spread throughout Europe. It wasn't until the 17th century that immigrants took the seeds to North and South America, where coriander made a splash on menus. Today, the spice primarily dominates Asian and South American cuisine.

A small but fine selection of varieties - an invitation to browse

The following varieties with their individual attributes reveal why coriander enjoys such popularity:

  • 'Cilantro': the most commonly eaten herb in the world, a special coriander leaf with a mild aroma
  • 'Thuringian': a local breed, easy to grow, excellently adapted to our climate
  • 'Confetti': impresses with extra tender, pinnate leaves, the ideal variety for beginners
  • 'Jantar': a Russian variety with a nutty aroma, ideal for freezing

If you are looking for a perennial variety of coriander, you will find it in Vietnamese coriander. Botanically assigned to a different species, the leaves nevertheless have the typical sweet coriander aroma. Although the plant is not frost hardy, it has the ability to overwinter indoors. Thanks to its pretty, pink flowers, this variety is often cultivated in the hanging basket (€11.99).

tips and tricks

It's not just the inimitable taste that distinguishes coriander. The spice plant is easy to sow in any hobby garden. In addition, coriander thrives wonderfully in a bucket on the balcony without requiring permanent care.

GTH

Category:

Vegetable garden