January 2009 Herb of the Month - Perennial Coriander
Eryngium foetidum

Perennial Coriander

(Eryngium foetidum) is the perfect plant to have growing in your garden if you enjoy the flavour of regular Coriander (coriandrum sativum) but have trouble growing it during the summer months.

Perennial coriander is also known as saw tooth or saw leaf coriander this describes the serrated edges of the leaves. It is also known as Long coriander, Mexican coriander and Culantro. The Thai name Phak Chee Farang means foreign coriander, the Vietnamese name Ngo Gai means thorny coriander.

It originates from Central America – the Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico and Mexico. It is cultivated throughout Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Perennial coriander grows in full sun to part shade and likes good drainage. It will tolerate hot humid summers where common coriander will bolt to seed quickly. The leaves are long and have toothed margins and grow in a basal rosette pattern. It flowers profusely especially during summer, the prickly flower heads should be regularly pruned from the plant, this encourages the leaves to grow. It is pest and disease free.

Cooking

The pungent odor is very similar to coriander. The leaves need to be chopped as they are tougher than the regular coriander. The leaves of perennial coriander will put up with some cooking unlike regular coriander. Use leaves in stir-fries, soups, salads, curries and salsa. Use the root to flavour vegetables.

The prickly seed head can be made into a spicy paste. Put seed head into blender or processor with chilli, ginger, garlic and sesame oil or vegetable oil and whiz until smooth. Store in fridge. Use to flavour curries and stir fries or spread on sandwiches or biscuits with cheese. The paste can also be stirred through chopped chicken for a delicious sandwich fill.

This variety of coriander dries well, retaining good color and flavour.

Medicinal

Use a leaf tea for diarrhea, flu, fevers, vomiting, diabetes and constipation. A root poultice can be used as a tissue regenerator. In India the root is used to soothe stomach pains.

Peach and Coriander Salsa

2 fresh peaches chopped

1 med tomato diced

2 tbsp diced cucumber or green capsicum

1 tbsp diced red onion or shallot

2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

1 tbsp chopped fresh mint

1tsp fish sauce or soy sauce

½ tsp sugar dissolved in 2 tbsp lime juice

*Mix all ingredients in a bowl.