Culantro

Culantro is commonly used in salsas, soups, stews, and marinades. It's particularly famous for its role in Caribbean green seasoning, a blend of herbs pivotal to the region's cuisine. In Southeast Asia, culantro is often incorporated fresh in salads, or cooked in soups and curries, imparting a distinct, aromatic flavor that stands up well against strong spices.

Culantro is low in calories, with approximately 1 kcal per 1 tablespoon (0.5 grams) of the chopped herb.

Protein content in culantro is minimal, providing less than 0.1 grams per tablespoon.

The herb is essentially fat-free, with trace amounts typically found in a serving.

Culantro contains a small amount of carbohydrates, roughly 0.1 grams per tablespoon.

Culantro is rich in vitamins, including Vitamin A and Vitamin C, both crucial for immune system function and skin health.

This herb also contains minerals like calcium and iron, which are important for bone health and oxygen transport in the body respectively.

Culantro's health benefits are numerous. It's known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used traditionally to treat ailments such as flu, diabetes, constipation, and fevers. The vitamins and minerals found in culantro can also contribute to overall health maintenance.

While culantro is safe for most people, those with allergies to other members of the Apiaceae family should approach it with caution. Excessive consumption is not recommended as it can lead to stomach issues or skin sensitivity, particularly in sun-exposed areas.

Culantro is a key ingredient in recipes such as Puerto Rican 'sofrito', Trinidadian 'chow', and Vietnamese 'pho'. It is also used in 'recao' paste, a blend of culantro and several other ingredients crucial in Caribbean cuisine.

The herb can be used both fresh and cooked, with cooking methods including boiling, sautéing, and grilling. It is robust enough to withstand longer cooking times, making it suitable for flavoring broths and stews.

Culantro pairs well with meats like chicken and pork, seafood such as shrimp and fish, and complements ingredients like coconut milk, lime, chili peppers, and garlic.

Culantro is a versatile herb with deep roots in various traditional cuisines. Its bold flavor and health-boosting properties make it a valuable ingredient for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Whether used fresh or as a component of complex spice blends, culantro brings a touch of the exotic to any dish, transcending geographical boundaries and enhancing flavors worldwide.