Agricultural Information:

Plant Family: Apiaceae
Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro is an annual herb grown for both it’s leaves and seeds. It is commonly referred to as coriander in most countries. Some people report that cilantro tastes like soap due to a genetic variation in their olfactory receptors that detect aldehydes, compounds found in both cilantro and soap.

Cilantro is used in a variety of ways culinarily both to flavor dishes like salads or marinades and as a garnish.

Historical Information:

In Bamidbar, maan (the food given to Bnei Yisrael in the desert) was described as being like coriander seed and commentary says that this is because it was similar in shape and size.

Halachic Information:

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals & grapevines) Cilantro when grown for it's stalks and leaves is classified as a vegetable. Therefore, it should not be planted near other annuals or a grapevine. However, if the cilantro plant is grown for its seeds it is classified as a legume.