Culantro is an herb that is commonly used in Caribbean, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. It is often confused with cilantro due to its similar appearance and flavor, but it is a distinct plant with its own unique characteristics. In this article, we will explore the different types of culantro plant and their uses.
Regular Culantro
The most common type of culantro is the regular variety, which is also known as Eryngium foetidum. This type of culantro has long, serrated leaves that grow up to 12 inches in length. The leaves are dark green and have a strong, pungent aroma that is similar to cilantro but more intense. Regular culantro is used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.
Broadleaf Culantro
Broadleaf culantro, also known as Mexican coriander or Recao, is another type of culantro plant. It has broad leaves that are similar in appearance to lettuce leaves. The leaves are also serrated and have a strong aroma that is similar to regular culantro. Broadleaf culantro is used in many of the same dishes as regular culantro but is particularly popular in Caribbean cuisine.
Vietnamese Culantro
Vietnamese culantro, also known as Ngo Gai, is a type of culantro that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has narrow leaves that are similar in appearance to regular culantro but are slightly thinner and more delicate. Vietnamese culantro has a milder flavor than regular culantro and is often used as a garnish or in salads.
FAQs
What is the difference between cilantro and culantro?
Cilantro and culantro are two different plants that are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance and flavor. Cilantro has flat, delicate leaves that are often used as a garnish or in salads. Culantro, on the other hand, has long, serrated leaves that are used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.
How do you use culantro in cooking?
Culantro is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes. It is particularly popular in Caribbean, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. Culantro can be used fresh or dried and is often added to soups, stews, sauces, and marinades for an extra burst of flavor.
Where can I buy culantro?
Culantro can be found at many specialty grocery stores and Asian markets. It can also be grown at home in a garden or in a pot.
Related Posts:
Culantro Plant
- Guide to Growing Culantro Plant in a Pot
- What is Culantro Plant Commonly Used For?
- Most Common Culantro Plant Pests: Identification and Treatment Guide
- How to Get Rid of Gnats in Culantro Plant
- Benefits of Culantro Plant in Your Garden
- How to Grow Culantro Plant Outdoors
- How Much Space to Leave Between Each Culantro Plant
- How to Repot Culantro Plant
- How to Clean Culantro Plant
- How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Culantro Plant
- Culantro Plant Roots and Stems: an In-depth Look
- How Deep Does Culantro Plant Need to Be Planted?
- How to Get Rid of Slaters on Culantro Plant
- How to Trim Culantro Plant: In-depth Pruning Guide
- How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies on Culantro Plant
- Common Culantro Plant Diseases: How to Identify and Treat
- Guide to Fertilizing Your Culantro Plant
- How to Get Rid of Crusader Bugs on Culantro Plant
- What is the Origin of Culantro Plant
- How to Prevent Culantro Plant from Rotting
- Is Culantro Plant Safe for My Pets?
- How to Get Rid of Thrips in Culantro Plant
- Why Does my Culantro Plant Have Brown Spots?
- How to Tell if Culantro Plant Needs Watering?
- How to Get Rid of Slugs on Culantro Plant
- How to Get Rid of Mold on Culantro Plant
- How to Get Rid of Fungus on Culantro Plant
- How Tall Does a Culantro Plant Grow
- How to Get Rid of Mosquito Larvae in Culantro Plant Water
- How to Grow Culantro Plant Indoors