Coriander is the dried seed or fruit of the Coriandrum sativum plant, which belongs to the parsley family. Cilantro is the leaf of this same plant and surprisingly, its flavor is vastly different from that of coriander. Cilantro has a complex but delicate flavor with a hint of pepper, mint and lemon. Coriander has a sweet, aromatic taste with a touch of citrus. Coriander seeds are used all over the world but most commonly in the Mediterranean region, South America and the Indian sub-continent. As with all seeds, toasting them will bring out more of the aromatic flavor.

In Indian cuisine they are known as 'dhania'.