Coriander seeds Nutrition facts

Have you ever caught up with gripping stomach pain? Drinking a few sips of extraction obtained from coriander seeds, dill, caraway, fennel, and aniseed from your granny's kitchen spice box perhaps would be the most efficient carminative remedy for this ailment!

Coriander is a small, hollow-stemmed plant in the Apiaceae family, in the genus: Coriandrum. Its scientific name is Coriandrum sativum. Pleasant, aromatic, and spicy, its seeds have been found in utility since ancient times in cooking as well as in various traditional medicines.

Coriander seeds (coriandrum sativum). Note for light brown, dry seeds.

Coriander seeds can be ready for harvest when the plant turns brown, and its leaves begin to dry. Immature seeds are light green and taste bitter. To harvest cut the plants, tie them in small bundles, and dry under the sun for several days. Traditionally, to separate the seeds, the sheaves are either beaten with a stick or employ a lightweight roller to separate the pods.

Health benefits of Coriander seeds

Visit here to read the health benefits of Leaf Coriander (Cilantro).

Coriander seeds possess many plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease-preventing, and health-promoting properties.
The unique aromatic flavor of coriander seeds comes from their essential volatile oils and fatty acids. Some important fatty acids in the dried seeds include petroselinic acid, linoleic acid (omega 6), oleic acid, and palmitic acid. Also, the seeds contain essential oils such as linalool (68%), a-pinene (10%), geraniol, camphene, terpene, etc. Together; these active principles are responsible for the digestive, carminative, and anti-flatulent properties of the seeds.
As in other spices, coriander is also rich in dietary fiber. 100 g seeds provide 41.9 g of fiber, much of which is metabolically inert insoluble content. Dietary fiber increases the bulk of the food by absorbing water throughout the digestive system and thus aids in smooth bowel movements.
Moreover, dietary fibers bind to bile salts (produced from cholesterol) and decrease their re-absorption in the colon, thus helping lower serum LDL-cholesterol levels. Together with flavonoid antioxidants, the fiber composition of coriander helps protect colon mucosa from cancers.
Its seeds are an excellent source of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. Copper is essential for the production of red blood cells. Iron is essential for cell metabolism and red blood cell formation. Zinc is a co-factor in many enzymes that regulate growth and development, sperm generation, digestion, and nucleic acid synthesis.Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. The human body utilizes manganese as a cofactor for the important antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
Unlike other dry spice seeds that lack in vitamin-C, coriander seeds contain an ample amount of this antioxidant vitamin. 100 g of dry seeds provide 21 mg or 35% of RDI of vitamin-C.
Furthermore, the seeds are the storehouse of many vital B-complex vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Coriander seeds (**Coriander sativum**), Nutritional value/100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle	Nutrient Value	Percent of RDA
Energy	298 Kcal	15%
Carbohydrates	54.99 g	42%
Protein	12.37 g	22%
Total Fat	17.77 g	60%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	41.9 g	110%
Vitamins
Folates	1 µg	<1%
Niacin	2.130 mg	13%
Riboflavin	0.290 mg	22%
Thiamin	0.239 mg	20%
Vitamin A	0 IU	0%
Vitamin C	21 mg	35%
Electrolytes
Sodium	35 mg	2%
Potassium	1267 mg	27%
Minerals
Calcium	709 mg	71%
Copper	0.975 mg	108%
Iron	16.32 mg	204%
Magnesium	330 mg	83%
Manganese	1.900 mg	82%
Phosphorus	409 mg	39%
Zinc	4.70 mg	43%

Selection and storage

Coriander seed, as well as its oil, can be readily available in the markets year-round. The seeds are used as a spice. Good-quality coriander seeds should release a pleasant, slightly peppery flavor when squeezed between index and thumb fingers. In the stores, buy whole seeds instead of coriander powder since it may contain an adulterated spicy mix.

At home, store seeds in cool, dry, dark places, in airtight containers. This way, they keep well for many months and can be milled using a hand mill whenever required. Ground or powdered coriander should be stored in airtight containers and placed in the refrigerator. Use this spice powder as early as possible since it loses its flavor rather quickly because of the evaporation of essential oils.

Culinary uses

Dried coriander seeds are one of the common spice ingredients used worldwide. In general, completely dried seeds are gently toasted under low flame just before milling to get a fine powder. Roasting brings out specific aromatic compounds and essential oils in the seeds.

Here are some serving methods:

Coriander seeds are used as flavoring agents in confectionery, stews, sausages, sweetbreads, and cakes.
Coriander leaves, as well as seeds, are being used as an aromatic spice in Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, and European cooking.
Russian dark rye bread, "Borodinsky bread" uses coriander seeds.
In India, ground powder of coriander seeds is a common household spice powder that is used in pickling, chutneys, stews, curries, marinades as well as in sausages.

Medicinal uses

Along with dill, and fennel, coriander seeds employed as a carminative and digestive item in a variety of gripe water preparations.
The seeds are chewed as a remedy to prevent halitosis (unpleasant breath). (Medical Disclaimer).

Safety profile

In smaller doses, coriander seeds have no known adverse effects on health. They can be safely used by pregnant as well as nursing mothers.

(Medical disclaimer: The information and reference guides on this website are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.)