Cilantro/Coriander
Cilantro and parsley belong to the same family. Cilantro is strong in flavor and people either love it or hate it. The leaves are called cilantro and the seeds are called coriander. They have quite a different flavor from one another. Both the seeds and the leaves have a component called dodecenal which has been shown in laboratory tests to be twice as effective as the common antibiotic, gentamicin, at killing Salmonella. Coriander tea is used as a stomach tonic for gas.
In ancient times it has been used as an aphrodisiac. Coriander can be hung in the corners of the house to ward off unwanted guests. Coriander also has been associated with immortality.
Cilantro can be added to soups and salsas. I like to use coriander seed in my squash casserole. You put cubed zucchini and summer squash in a buttered baking dish. You pour ½ cup of cream and ½ cup of grated cheese and mix it in. Top with bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and S&P. Bake for 30 minutes. You can add corn to this if you want and top with cilantro leaves after it is done baking.
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