Introduction

Introduction
       
    Family : Umbelliferae / Apiaceae
    English name: Coriander
    Indian name : Dhania, Dhanya (Hindi), Kothambri, Kothamiri bija (Kannada), Kothumpalari bija (Malayalam), Dhanyaka (Sanskrit), Kothamalli (Tamil), Dhaniyalu (Telugu).
    Species : Coriandrum sativum L.
    Distribution : Southern Europe, India, USA, Pakistan, England, Turkey.
    Uses : Spice and flavouring agent, culinary purposes, medicine
  • Coriander is the dried fruit of Conandrum satiuum L., an aromatic spice crop of the family Umbelliferae or Apiaceae. It is a very old flavouring substance and its usage both for its leaves, stems as well as fruits has been mentioned in Egyptian, Herbrew and Roman literature as early as 5000 BC. The composition of coriander seeds is moisture-6.3%, protein-1.3%, carbohydrate-24.0%, volatile oil-0.3%, phosphorus-0.44%, potassium-1.2%, calcium-0.8%, sodium-0.02%, iron-0.006%, vitamins - A-175 IU (mg/100 g), B1-0.26, B2-0.23, niacin-3.2, vitamin C-12.0, while the green leaves contain moisture-87.9%, protein-3.3%, fat-0.6%, carbohydrate-6.5%, calcium-0.14%, phosphorus-0.060, iron-0.01%, etc. Coriander seed oil contains mainly a-pinene-0.96-7.97%, p-cymene and phellandrene¬3.69-9.91%, linalool-59.55-72.61%, borneol and decyl aldehyde-5.31- 7.43%, myrcene-5.44%; terpinene-5.44%, camphor-2.46%, etc.
  • The essential oil content of the seeds is about 0.1-0.7%. The seeds also contain 19-21% fatty oil, which solidifies upon keeping and is used in the manufacture of sodium soaps and has a pleasant odour. The residue left after extraction of volatile oil is used in cattle feed. All parts of the plant are indispensable food adjuncts in Indian cookery. The young plants are used as a spice in the preparation of chutneys, sausages, curries and soups for flavouring.
  • The dried fruits are an important ingredient of curry powder, sausages and pickling spices. In the USA and Europe it is used for flavouring spirits and gin. In food industries, coriander is one of the important ingredients in the manufacture of bakery products, imitation flavours, pork, meat, fish and salads, soda and syrup, gelatin, dessert, candy, preserves, chocolates and liquors. The essential oil of coriander seeds is a valuable ingredient in perfumery industries.
  • Coriander is also used as a carminative and flavouring agent and to correct the griping qualities of other medicines. A herbal tea of coriander with milk cures bleeding of piles. The fruit is antispasmodic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, refrigerant and stimulant. A decoction of the dried fruit is given for treating flatulence and colic. It is also reported to lessen the intoxicating effects of spirituous liquors.
Last modified: Thursday, 8 March 2012, 7:16 AM