Friday Favorite: Cilantro
Cilantro is my all-time favorite herb, probably because I grew up in South America eating mass quantities of it. This past winter, when I was looking through the Johnny’s Seeds catalog, I noticed there were a few different varieties. Generally, I grow ‘Slo-Bolt’ cilantro. I have noticed when I purchase cilantro at the store, some is more flavorful than others. This got me to thinking that the different varieties would have a slightly different taste. So I ordered up three different varieties and got them started.
After doing taste tests, ‘Santo’ was my favorite both for flavor and texture. I’ll definitely be growing this variety in the future, along with the ‘Slo-Bolt’ that self seeds itself happily throughout my gardens.
What’s your favorite herb?
Filed under Around the Garden | Comments (5)
Probably cumin. I don’t grow it, though. My favorite for the garden is probably winter savory, which is something I had never heard of until my MiL grew it. It’s sort of like thyme on steroids, and I love it to braise beef. Oh, and I do love chervil for carrots and fish, but I don’t use it as much.
to kristin @ going country's comment
Definitely cilantro followed closely by papalo (which is our summer substitute for cilantro down here where it is crazy hot). Fortunately my husband and son like them but sometimes I think they would prefer if not every meal featured those herbs!
to Annie's comment
Susy, I’m normally not a herb person. I should really pursue herbs and using them more. My favorite herb for the garden is Dill Weed. Not because I use it but because it brings back memories of being in my Mom’s garden and smelling the Dill Weed scent.
Do you have any herb smells that bring up good memories?
Have a great herb growing day.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
I like cilantro it just grows in the wrong season here for it to be all that useful for things like salsa. I am saving the seeds this year for use as coriander, though. Have you grown culantro? I hadn’t heard about it until we lived in Miami and a Puerto Rican woman mentioned it to me. You can get it at the stores there.
Favorite herb? I do like mint and dill! Basil is good, too, but I’m realizing I’m not a huge fan of basil pesto. Or maybe we use too much pesto in our meals when we make it?
to Misti's comment
Parsely, dill, basil, cilantro. It’s tough growing enough cilantro where I am because of the heat – it bolts easily. I lived in Colombia as a child, too, and the first time I had cilantro was on ajiaco!
to mc's comment