The dry fruits are known as coriander seeds. In Indian cuisine they are called dhania. Roasted coriander seeds, called dhana dal, are eaten as a snack. They are the main ingredient of the two south Indian dishes: sambhar and rasam. Coriander seeds are boiled with water and drunk as indigenous medicine for colds.
The ground coriander is obtained from the Coriander seed of the coriander plant.Most commonly, it is bought as whole dried seeds, but it can also be found as a powder. When grinding at home, it can be roasted or heated on a dry pan briefly to enhance the aroma before grinding it in an electric grinder or with a mortar and pestle; ground coriander seeds lose their flavour quickly in storage hence it is best to ground as needed. Coriander powder has a pleasing whiff and taste. One can crush coriander seeds finely or coarsely as per recipe requirement.
Coriander powder should be kept in an opaque, tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Storage of Coriander Seeds powder must be done with clean hands and place a piece of asafoetida to prevent any kind of spoilage. It will keep for about four to six months.
Coriander is used just as much in sweet dishes as in savoury ones.
It is an essential ingredient of many curries and gravies as it has a mild aroma instigating the appetite.
Coriander powder can be utilized well in barbecue.
Coriander powder is put in to give the dish a pleasing taste. The taste of the coriander also helps blend the tastes of all other spices that are added to the dish.
Adding ground coriander to pancake and waffle mixes.
Put coriander seeds in a pepper mill and keep on the dinner table so that you and your family can use them at any time.
The chutney is very common dish, where in coriander powder is used liberally.
Apart from being an aromatic spice, it has many curative and cooling properties beneficial for health and thus is found in Indian kitchens as well as in making medicines.
Coriander powder taken in combination with pinch of Asafoetida and rock salt is considered an aid to the digestive system. It is an appetite stimulant and aids in the secretion of gastric juices.
Coriander has pain-relieving properties and is useful for headaches, muscle pain, stiffness and arthritis.
Coriander powder is useful as a tea, because of its helpful effects on the digestive tract, and is good for increasing appetite, and relieving nausea, diarrhea, flatulence and indigestion. It is reputed to enhance circulation and relieve fluid retention.
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