The Great Herb Debate: Parsley vs. Cilantro

Flavor Profile

Parsley boasts a fresh, mild taste, often used to round out dishes with a hint of herbal flavor. On the other hand, cilantro packs a spicy, zesty punch, commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. Some people even describe cilantro as having a soapy taste, but we’ll get to that later.

Leafy Greens

Both parsley and cilantro have bright green leaves with long stems, but there’s a key difference: parsley leaves are pointy, while cilantro has rounded, fan-like leaves. Parsley comes in three varieties – curly-leafed, flat-leafed, and root parsley – but we’re focusing on the most common supermarket variety, flat-leafed parsley.

Origins and History

Parsley originated in Mediterranean regions, where it was used in Roman and Greek kitchens. Cilantro, on the other hand, hails from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, with a rich history in Latin American, Indian, and Chinese cuisine.

Cooking with Parsley and Cilantro

When it comes to cooking, parsley is the star of the show. It’s often used raw or added to dishes towards the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor. Cilantro, however, loses its potency when boiled or steamed, so it’s best used raw or added to dishes at the last minute.

Nutritional Benefits

Both herbs are low in calories, carbs, and fat, but parsley takes the lead with its impressive vitamin K content. Just 1/4 cup of parsley provides three times the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, essential for bone health and blood clotting.

The Soap Controversy

So, why does cilantro taste like soap to some people? It’s all about genetics! Research suggests that individuals who think cilantro tastes like soap have a variation on the olfactory gene OR6A2, which affects how they smell aldehyde, a chemical found in cilantro.

Allergy Alert

While rare, cilantro allergies do exist. Symptoms include hives, swollen mouth, lips, or tongue, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.

Health Benefits

Both parsley and cilantro are packed with polyphenols, antioxidants that protect against inflammation and disease. They may also help control blood sugar, support heart health, and reduce inflammation. Parsley has been shown to strengthen bones, while cilantro might have anticancer effects.

Cilantro vs. Coriander

Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, Coriandrum sativum. In North America, the leafy green part is referred to as cilantro, while the dried seeds are called coriander.

Using Parsley and Cilantro in the Kitchen

Want to add more parsley and cilantro to your diet? Try incorporating them into dishes like:

• kimchi
• vegan creamed corn
• tofu scramble
• baked chickpea burgers
• guacamole
• black bean soup
• chicken soba noodle bowls

Keeping it Fresh

To keep parsley fresh, rinse, pat dry, and refrigerate it wrapped in a paper towel placed in a plastic bag. For cilantro, place it in a jar with water (like a bouquet!), cover loosely with plastic, and refrigerate.