Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds along with other spices from your mother's kitchen spice box are an effective carminative remedy. These extraction of these seeds as well as fennel, anaseed and caraway can prove to be beneficial in relieving one from gripping stomach pain. Coriander seeds are obtained from coriander plant that forms a part of Apiaceae family in the coriandrum genus. This small, herbaceous plant of maximum 2 feet height, bears light pink flowers that turn into aromatic, pleasant and spice seeds, that have been in culinary and traditional medicines use since ancient times. Native to South-Eastern Europe, this plant is widely grown in India, China, Middle East, Europe and Turkey. In west, it is often called cilantro. The 4-6 mm in diameter, the oval shaped seeds have a central hollow cavity that contains two vertical vittae containing few important essential oils. The harvesting time of the coriander seeds can be determined by the color of the plant. When the plant turns brown and its leaves begin to shed, it is the time to harvest. During harvesting, one cuts the crop, tie in small bundles, and sun-dry for few days. Seeds can be separated by beating the sheaves with a stick. Today, lightweight roller is utilized to wear off the pods.
Health benefits of coriander seeds : Coriander seeds are a rich source of plant-derived chemical compounds that are considered to be antioxidants, prevent disease and promote health. The volatile oils and fatty acids in the seeds impart unique aroma and flavor. The dried seeds are composed of following essential fatty acids.
Benifits :

• Palmitic acid
• Linoleic acid (omega 6)
• Oleic acid
• Petroselinic acid
• The essential oils in the seeds include :
• Geraniol
• Canphene
• Linalool (68%)
• A-pinene (10%)
• Terpene, etc.

Details :

• The above mentioned active principles are responsible for digestive, carminative, and anti-flatulent properties. Just like other spices, coriander is also a rich source of dietary fiber. The 100 g seeds contain around 41.9 g of fiber. The major benefits of including dietary fiber in diet is improves digestion and lowers serum LDL-cholesterol levels.
• The Minerals present in these seeds include the following:
• Iron- helpful in formation of red blood cells and cells metabolism.
• Copper- helpful in red blood cells production.
• Potassium- helpful in controlling blood pressure and heart rate.
• Zinc- helpful in digestion and nucleic acid synthesis.
• Manganese
• Calcium
• Magnesium This dry spice contains an ample amount of Vitamin-C, which is an antioxidant vitamin. In 100 g of dry seeds, 21 mg or 35% of RDI of vitamin-C can be found. These small seeds also provide body  vital B-complex vitamins, such as niacin, thiamin and riboflavin.

Selection and storage : One can buy Coriander seeds all year around. The flavor of these spice seeds can be checked by squeezing it between index finger and thumb. Upon squeezing, it releases a pleasant and slightly peppery flavor. The storage location of this spice must be cool, dry and dark. These seeds must be kept in airtight containers. Handmill can be used for milling these seeds, whenever required. The ground or powdered coriander can be kept in refrigerator in an airtight jar.  This spice powder loses its essential oils by evaporation, therefore, use it as early as possible.
Culinary uses : This is one of the common and majorly used spice ingredients all over the world. These seeds before milling to form a fine powder, must be gently roasted under low flame. Roasting generates specific aromatic compounds as well as essential oils in the seeds.
Few serving methods :

• The dried coriander seeds are used for adding flavor to cakes, sweetbreads, confectionery, stews, and sausages. Apart from using dried seeds, people of India, Pakistan, China, Middle East and Europe, also use coriander leaves to add aroma and flavor in dishes.
• Coriander seeds form a major ingredient in famous Russian dark rye bread, "Borodinsky bread".
• Indian use coriander powder in curries, marinades, chutneys, vegetables, pickles, and sausages.

Medicinal uses :

• These seeds are employed as carminative and digestive item in several gripe water preparations.
• Unpleasant breath (halitosis) can be prevented by chewing coriander seeds.

Quality :

• Double Parrot
• Singal Parrot
• Eagle
• Badami