Coriander, << `kawr` ee AN duhr, >> is an herb that grows in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. The plant is about 3 feet (91 centimeters) high and has small white flowers. Its seeds have a pleasant odor when ripe, and they taste sweet after they have been dried out. The seeds are used as a spice in curries, sauces, and liqueurs, and to make small round candies. They are used in cooking throughout much of the world. Coriander-seed oil is used to flavor food, and as a medicine. About 500 pounds (230 kilograms) of seeds yield 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) of oil. The leaves and stems of the coriander plant are used as a seasoning called cilantro. Cilantro is especially important in Latin American cooking.
