The difference between the two seasonings: what is the difference between cilantro and parsley?

Parsley is a popular seasoning used in both fresh and dried, as well as frozen. It has long been added to salads, soups and meat dishes. And for good reason!

Everyone knows its pleasant taste and smell. Does parsley have "competitors"? It turns out there is. Coriander, whose greens are called “cilantro,” is a no less popular analogue of parsley.

But are they different from each other in chemical composition and scope of application, and are there any differences between them? We will find out in this article.

Botanical definition

First, let us take an interest in what the botanists say about these plants:

Plant of the Umbrella family

The plant of the genus Parsley, belongs to the family of Umbrella. This green is a biennial plant, with an erect and branched stem, the length of which is from 30 cm to a meter, and shiny leaves of a triangular shape. Root fusiform, thickened. The plant blooms in the first two months of summer.

Coriander seed (vegetable)

A plant belonging to the genus Coriander, family Umbrella. Coriander is a biennial plant with a bare, upright stem branching at the top, the length of which is from 40 cm to 70 cm. The leaves are shiny, triangular. Blossoms at a similar time. Unlike parsley, it contains much fewer calories, so coriander is preferred by those who watch their figure.

Differences

As can be understood from the botanical description, both copies are “of one berry field”. They really are very similar, but nevertheless have some differences, the main of which is taste and smell. How exactly parsley and cilantro differ:

How to distinguish in appearance?

Despite their external similarity, with some of them they still differ: parsley has larger, bright, but not so wavy leaves.

Smell

It is no longer possible to make a mistake, and it will be possible to distinguish one from the other in a matter of seconds: the fact is that cilantro has a strong lemon pepper flavor which reminds a lot of the smell of a bug, this odor causes the decyldehyde, which is part of the essential oil of the green part of the plant. Parsley has a softer smell that does not cause disgust to anyone.

Scope of use

In cooking, parsley and its analogue play the same role - these are spices for flavoring and fortification of various dishes, canned foods and pickles. Both plants also produce essential oils used in conservation.

Both plants are also used in medicine:

• The first plant has a diuretic effect and contributes to the removal of salts from the body, so it is used to treat diseases of the liver, kidneys, bladder (cystitis, edema, urolithiasis, etc.), atherosclerosis, and the like.
• Coriander has antiseptic and analgesic properties, is used in the treatment of gastritis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Essential oil derived from a plant is an ingredient for creating drugs that treat keratitis, conjunctivitis, glaucoma.

Chemicals

Parsley (0.1 kg)

1. Calories: 49kcal.
2. Fat weight - 0.45 grams.
3. Protein - 3.5 grams.
4. Carbohydrate - 7.5 grams.
5. Water - 85 grams.
6. Organic acids - 0.12 grams.
7. Starch - 0.15 grams.
8. Saccharides - 6.5 grams.
9. The plant also contains the following minerals:
   • 521 mg K;
   • 245 Sa;
   • 26 mg of Na;
   • 48 mg P;
   • 1.77 mg Fe.

Cilantro (0.1 kg)

1. Calories: 23kcal.
2. Fat: 0.52 gr.
3. Protein: 2.13 gr.
4. Carbohydrate: 0.87 gr.
5. Waters: 92.21 gr.
6. Fiber: 2.8 gr.
7. Saturated fatty acids: 0.014 g.
8. Saccharides: 0.87 gr.
9. Minerals:
   • 521 mg K;
   • 67 mg Ca;
   • 26 mg Mg;
   • 46 mg of Na;
   • 48 mg P;
   • 1.77 mg Fe.

A photo

Below you can see photos of cilantro and parsley, in order to memorize their main external differences and understand, is it the same plant, or not?

Parsley:

Cilantro:

Country of origin

In the wild, parsley originally grew on the Mediterranean coast, cultivated beginning only in the 9th century.

What to choose?

And now it's time to sum up the confrontation between parsley and cilantro: which is more useful?

Now, I hope, the difference between these two wonderful plants has become apparent. As can be understood from the table, parsley is somewhat more useful than cilantro in its properties, but if you want something more acute than the "soft" taste of parsley, then cilantro is your choice.

Watch the video: Parsley vs Cilantro Coriander How to tell the difference between the two herbs (May 2024).