Parsley and Coriander: what's the difference?

Coriander, also called "Chinese parsley", is an aromatic herb widely used in cooking. This second name highlights the confusion that can arise with Parsley, an aromatic herb from the same family: that of the Apiaceae. However, their scientific name is very different: "Coriandrum sativum" for coriander and "Petroselinum crispum" for parsley.

Coriander and parsley, plants that look alike?

Indeed, the two look alike depending on the variety. The best-known varieties of parsley are Parsley Frisé and Parsley Flat. The latter is very similar to Cultivated Coriander. Indeed, Flat Parsley like coriander has the same green leaves as well as a similar shape, however each will flavor your dishes with a unique flavor.

What do these two aromatic plants have in common?

• Cultivation conditions

These two plants require the same growing conditions, i.e. rich, well-drained, and warm soil . However, they fear high temperatures which could make the coriander go up in seeds and the parsley turn yellow. These aromatic plants can also be grown together in your aromatic garden. You can also sow other varieties such as mint , chives or lemongrass which will also protect your plants from pests thanks to their repellent effect.

• Sowing and harvesting

Both are sown in spring and the waiting period for harvest is very similar: 6 to 7 weeks for parsley and 8 weeks for cilantro.

• The conversation

These two aromatic plants keep very well in the freezer , in a freezer bag or in an oil-based preparation. However, drying can cause them to lose some of their flavor.

What are the differences between parsley and cilantro?

• A different cycle

These plants are both part of the Apiaceae family. However, cilantro is an annual plant while parsley is a biennial plant. This means that the entire cilantro cycle, from germination to seed, will take place in one year, while the cycle will take place over a two-year period for parsley. The first year, this aromatic herb will develop beautiful foliage and the seeds will not appear until the second year.

• Taste and use in cooking

Cilantro has a spicier taste while parsley is milder . As for their use in cooking, coriander is delicious for the preparation of more spicy sauces such as chicken with coconut milk or tajine but also in salads. It goes particularly well with fish.

Parsley is also used in sauce, or to season vegetables such as potatoes.

Discover the URBAN CUISINE recipes to prepare a dish with coriander or parsley: Free range chicken with flat parsley , flat parsley soup , prawns with cultivated coriander or eggplant caviar with cultivated coriander .

• The parts to consume

Coriander is also cultivated for its seeds , it also goes up very quickly in seeds. The seeds also add a spicy taste and are a wonderful seasoning to the salad. For parsley, only the stems and leaves are eaten.

Also, coriander leaves should be eaten fresh while parsley can be cooked.

• Flowers

Those of parsley are yellow and green while those of coriander are white.

• The smell

Like the taste, coriander has a stronger smell than parsley. The name coriander comes from the Greek "koris" which means bug.

• Different nutritional intakes

Both plants have vitamins A, C and K. However, parsley has an antioxidant effect thanks to its contribution in flavonoids, luteolin and apigenin. Cilantro is rich in dietary fiber and minerals .

Beware of transplanting:

The sowing of coriander should be done in a large pot because this aromatic herb does not like to be transplanted. For parsley, you can transplant it into a larger container.

How to distinguish them?

Parsley has darker foliage and coriander leaves are more rounded . If you still have doubts, you can trust their smell . That of coriander is stronger while that of parsley is milder.

So, although these two aromatic herbs are very similar, they are far from being the same. They are both exquisite and each bring a unique flavor to our great pleasure.

Growing cilantro and parsley with URBAN CUISINE

You can use them in the same recipe for a dish full of flavors. URBAN CUISINE offers you the opportunity to grow these two plants together thanks to the Connected Indoor Vegetable Garden with other varieties of your choice from our 20 organic varieties.

These varieties are already sown in our Cultivation Plugs which are composed of plant fibers that contain all the nutrients necessary for the growth of your plants. Discover for example our Flat Parsley Cultivation Mound in its Cork Pot, 100% French for easy cultivation!

You can also consult all the URBAN CUISINE advice on caring for your aromatic herbs, fruits and vegetables: " Sowing chives: how to do it? ", " Coriander Cultivated: our maintenance tips " or even "How to plant and sow parsley outdoors? Tips and tricks" .