General Description
Coriander is the seed of Coriandrum sativum, a plant in the parsley family. The seed is globular and almost round, brown to yellow red, and 1/5 inch in diameter with alternating straight and wavy ridges.

Geographical Sources
Coriander comes from Morocco and Romania.

Traditional Ethnic Uses
Coriander is used in Indian curries, gin, American cigarettes, and sausages.

Taste and Aroma
Coriander has a mild, distinctive taste similar to a blend of lemon and sage.

History/Region of Origin
Coriander is probably one of the first spices used by mankind, having been known as early as 5000 BC. Sanskrit writings dating from about 1500 BC also spoke of it. In the Old Testament "manna" is described as "white like Coriander Seed." (Exodus 16:31) The Romans spread it throughout Europe and it was one of the first spices to arrive in America.

Storage
Store in cool, dark, dry places.