Cilantro: The Common Alternative Name for Coriander

Cilantro is the most common alternative name for coriander, specifically referring to the fresh leaves and stems of the Coriandrum sativum plant. While "coriander" typically describes the seeds in American English, the entire plant is called coriander in British English and many other regions.

Understanding the naming confusion around this versatile herb is essential for both home cooks and professional chefs navigating international recipes. The Coriandrum sativum plant produces different components that go by various names depending on geography and culinary context, creating frequent misunderstandings in kitchens worldwide.

Why One Plant Has Two Names

The dual naming system for coriander stems from linguistic evolution and regional preferences. The word "coriander" comes from the Greek koris, meaning bedbug, likely referencing the plant's distinctive scent. "Cilantro" derives from the Spanish word for the same plant. This linguistic divergence created the modern naming convention where:

• In the United States: "Cilantro" refers to the leaves/stems, "coriander" refers to the seeds
• In the UK, Australia, and most Commonwealth countries: "Coriander" describes both the leaves and seeds
• In botanical contexts: The entire plant is Coriandrum sativum

Region	Leaves/Stems	Seeds
United States	Cilantro	Coriander
United Kingdom	Coriander	Coriander seeds
Mexico/Latin America	Cilantro	Coriandero or Cilantro seeds
India	Dhaniya (leaves)	Dhaniya (seeds)

Botanical Clarification: Same Plant, Different Parts

Many people mistakenly believe cilantro and coriander are different plants. In reality, they come from the same annual herb Coriandrum sativum. The naming difference relates to which part of the plant is being referenced:

• Cilantro: Specifically denotes the fresh leaves and stems (primarily American usage)
• Coriander leaves: The term used outside North America for the same fresh herb
• Coriander seeds: The dried fruit of the plant, used as a spice worldwide
• Roots and stems: Also used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Thai cooking

Regional Terminology Differences Explained

The regional naming variations can create confusion when following international recipes. Understanding what "coriander" means in different culinary contexts prevents recipe failures:

When an American recipe calls for "cilantro," it means the fresh herb. The same ingredient in a British recipe would be listed as "coriander." Conversely, when an American recipe specifies "coriander," it's referring to the ground or whole seeds, while a British recipe might simply say "coriander" for both forms, relying on context to indicate which part is needed.

This explains why someone searching for what is cilantro called in the UK discovers that it's simply referred to as coriander. The same plant, different terminology based on geography—a perfect example of how coriander plant names vary by country.

Culinary Implications of the Naming Confusion

The distinction matters significantly in cooking because the leaves and seeds have dramatically different flavor profiles:

• Cilantro/coriander leaves: Bright, citrusy, slightly peppery flavor that diminishes with cooking
• Coriander seeds: Warm, nutty, slightly citrus flavor that intensifies when toasted

Substituting one for the other typically won't work in recipes. You cannot replace fresh cilantro with ground coriander seeds and achieve similar results. This is crucial knowledge when attempting to understand the difference between coriander and cilantro in cooking.

Genetic Factors in Perception

Adding another layer to the coriander discussion is the genetic variation affecting how people perceive its flavor. Approximately 21% of the population has a genetic variation that causes cilantro to taste like soap. This phenomenon, often called cilantro soap gene, explains why some people strongly dislike fresh coriander leaves while enjoying the seeds.

Practical Substitution Guidance

When you need a substitute for fresh coriander in recipes, consider these alternatives based on what you're making:

• For fresh applications: Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of lime (works best in salsas and garnishes)
• For Southeast Asian dishes: Culantro (a different but similar-tasting herb)
• For cooked dishes: A small amount of coriander seed powder plus fresh parsley

Remember that coriander leaves vs seeds are not interchangeable. If a recipe calls for fresh cilantro but you only have coriander seeds, you'll need to adjust your approach rather than making a direct substitution.

Historical Context of Coriander Terminology

Coriander has been used for over 7,000 years, with seeds found in ancient Egyptian tombs. The dual naming system evolved as the plant spread globally. Spanish explorers brought it to the Americas, where "cilantro" became the common term for the leaves, while British colonists maintained "coriander" for all parts.

This historical context explains why is coriander called cilantro in certain regions. The linguistic divergence wasn't intentional—it simply evolved through centuries of regional usage.

Is cilantro the same plant as coriander?

Yes, cilantro and coriander come from the same plant (Coriandrum sativum). Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves and stems (primarily in American English), while coriander typically refers to the seeds in American usage but describes the entire plant in British English and many other regions.

Why do Americans call it cilantro instead of coriander?

Americans adopted 'cilantro' from Spanish, which itself comes from the Greek word for the plant. In the US, 'coriander' typically refers only to the seeds, while 'cilantro' specifies the fresh leaves. This linguistic distinction evolved as the plant spread through different cultural channels in the Americas.

Can I substitute coriander seeds for fresh cilantro in recipes?

No, coriander seeds and fresh cilantro are not interchangeable. They have dramatically different flavor profiles - cilantro is bright and citrusy while coriander seeds are warm and nutty. For fresh cilantro, use flat-leaf parsley with lime juice as a substitute. For coriander seeds, no fresh herb substitute works well; you'd need to adjust the recipe entirely.

Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?

Approximately 21% of people have a genetic variation that causes cilantro to taste soapy. This 'cilantro soap gene' affects how certain aldehydes in the herb are perceived. Those with this genetic trait often dislike fresh coriander leaves but may still enjoy coriander seeds, which contain different compounds.

What's the difference between coriander and Chinese parsley?

Chinese parsley (also called culantro) is a different plant from coriander/cilantro, though they're in the same family. Culantro has longer,锯齿状 leaves and a stronger flavor that holds up better to cooking. It's commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines as a substitute when cilantro isn't available.