culantro

Culantro

Culantro, also known as sawtooth coriander or recao, is a leafy herb boasting a potent, pungent aroma and a flavor remarkably similar to cilantro, but significantly stronger. Its long, serrated leaves, typically bright green, offer a more robust and earthy taste with hints of citrus. Culantro's firm texture holds up well in cooking, making it ideal for dishes where you want a lasting herbal presence. Unlike cilantro, culantro retains its flavor even after being cooked at high temperatures, making it a valuable addition to various cuisines. Use this flavorful herb to enhance your culinary creations with a burst of fresh, vibrant character.

Common Uses

  • Used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines to add depth and aroma to soups, stews, and braised dishes, delivering a more intense cilantro-like flavor.
  • Finely chopped and incorporated into marinades and rubs for meats and poultry, infusing them with a zesty, herbal essence during grilling or roasting.
  • Added to fresh salsas and sauces to provide a more pronounced and long-lasting coriander taste, especially when cilantro wilts or loses its flavor quickly.
  • Employed as a key ingredient in sofrito, a flavorful base for many dishes, lending its distinctive herbaceous notes to create a rich and complex foundation.
  • Stirred into rice and beans, delivering a burst of freshness and a subtle sharpness, elevating the overall taste profile of these staple dishes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

23.0kcal (1.15%)

Protein

1.6g (3.2%)

Carbs

3.5g (1.27%)

Sugars

0.0g

Healthy Fat

0.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Rich in vitamins A, C, and B vitamins for immune support and overall health.
  • Good source of minerals like iron and calcium, important for energy levels and bone health.
  • Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
  • May aid digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Low in calories and can be part of a healthy diet for weight management.
  • Potential anti-inflammatory properties may benefit those with inflammatory conditions.

Storage Tips

To store culantro and maintain its freshness, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent wilting. Use within one to two weeks for the best flavor. Avoid storing culantro at room temperature as it will quickly wilt. You can also freeze culantro leaves for longer storage; chop them first and freeze in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.

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