🌿 spicesEasy to use
Culantro
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; now grown throughout tropical regions.Year-round in tropical climates; late spring through summer in temperate zones.Intensely cilantro-like but stronger, more pungent, and earthier. Holds its flavor better when cooked than cilantro.
Did You Know?
One leaf of culantro can substitute for an entire bunch of cilantro — its flavor compounds are 10 times more concentrated.
Overview
Mexico · Year-round in tropical climates; late spring through summer in temperate zones. · spices
A tropical herb (Eryngium foetidum) also called long coriander, recao, or shadow beni. Related to cilantro but much more pungent.
Mexico
Origin
Year-round in tropical climates; late spring through summer in temperate zones.
Season
Easy
Difficulty
spices
Category
Flavor Profile
Intensely cilantro-like but strongermore pungentand earthier. Holds its flavor better when cooked than cilantro.
Storage Tips
Wrap fresh leaves in a damp paper towel and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Culantro
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Use sparingly — very potent. Chop finely and add to sofrito, chutneys, and Caribbean stews. Withstands heat better than cilantro.
Best Pairings
sofritocallalooblack beansporkjerk seasoningplantainrice
Substitutes
Cilantro (use 3-4x more), or Thai basil for herby brightness.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Culantro
Nutrition Highlights
fat
0.5
carbs
6.6
fiber
2.8
protein
3.3
calories
38
Quick Facts
Categoryspices
OriginMexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; now grown throughout tropical regions.
SeasonYear-round in tropical climates; late spring through summer in temperate zones.
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Rich in iron, calcium, and riboflavin. Traditionally used for fever, chills, and vomiting in Caribbean herbal medicine.
Culantro Photos
4 photos showcasing Culantro in its many forms
🌿
Culantro
spices
OriginMexico
SeasonYear-round in tropical climates; late spring through summer in temperate zones.
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Intensely cilantro-like but strongermore pungentand earthier. Holds its flavor better when cooked than cilantro.
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Pairs Well With
sofritocallalooblack beansporkjerk seasoningplantainrice
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