Differences between cilantro and parsley

Cilantro and parsley are herbs. They have many similarities - in particular, the shape of the foliage, which is why they are most often confused. What are the differences between these plants, and how they can be distinguished from each other, we will tell in this article.

Cilantro and parsley are two types of spicy herbs that may seem similar at first glance. However, there are a number of differences between them, primarily external. To notice them, you need to take a closer look and study this cultural vegetation. So, parsley belongs to the umbrella family, the dicotyledonous class - in this regard, this plant is similar to cilantro. The growing season of parsley is about 2 years, its height can reach from 30 to 100 centimeters, and the root system is pivotal. Cilantro also has a taproot system, but is an annual plant that can range in height from 40 to 120 centimeters.

The stems of these plants also differ. So, in parsley, it is branched into several more small cuttings, on the tips of which you can see maple leaves. At the same time, the leaf plate of parsley is rather large and bright green. Cilantro has a straight and bare stem, it branches in the upper part, and the leaves are somewhat smaller. If you touch them, they will be softer and thinner than parsley leaves. It is also worth mentioning the flowers, fruits and flowering of these two plants.

So, parsley flowers differ from cilantro in color: they are greenish with a bit of yellowness and, as a rule, are collected in inflorescences of complex umbrellas closer to the top of the stem. The fruits of this plant are somewhat elongated and have an ovoid shape. At the same time, parsley blooms from the beginning of summer to July, and the period of its fruiting falls on August. If we talk about cilantro, then its flowers are white or pink, they are collected in an inflorescence, also in a complex umbrella, in the upper part of the peduncles. Cilantro fruits are spherical or ovoid.

Cilantro and parsley differ greatly from each other in their pronounced smell - with its help, it will be quite easy to distinguish plants from each other. So, if you smell it, you can understand that parsley is more aromatic and pleasant. Cilantro has a tart smell prevailing, and if its seeds are not yet ripe, then their aroma will be quite specific - for many people it resembles the smell that comes from bedbugs at times when they are in danger. This feature of the plant is due to its chemical composition.

It is enough to rub the foliage of vegetation between your fingers a little to understand that in front of you is parsley or cilantro. The smell of cilantro is quite strong and even at some moments cutting, it will resemble lemon-pepper, while the aroma of parsley will be softer.

Both parsley and cilantro are herbs that are actively used primarily in cooking, due to their spice. Cilantro is usually often found in Asian, Caucasian, and sometimes Latin American dishes. This vegetation gives food a bright and tart taste, while, even after being heat-treated, it does not lose its smell - it is for this reason that it is often combined with meat food, and is also used in the preparation of fish dishes and soups.Often, these greens are used in the preparation of salads or bruschettas.

Parsley does not have such a strong aroma as cilantro. Its smell is not able to drown out other seasonings that are used in cooking. For this reason, it is often used both as an independent seasoning and as an addition to other spices. However, when preparing dishes, it should be borne in mind that the calorie content of parsley exceeds the calorie content of cilantro - this is especially important for those who closely monitor their diet. So, the calorie content of parsley is about 40 calories, while the calorie content of cilantro is 25.

These herbs are also used in folk medicine. Parsley is commonly used to treat diseases such as atherosclerosis and cystitis. This spice also helps to relieve puffiness under the eyes, as well as improve the condition of the legs, which can often be sore from long walking. Cilantro at the same time is actively used to treat gastritis. It is also being used to create eye medicines. In addition, this spice is capable of providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Often, these herbs are used in the field of beauty, namely: in cosmetology. For example, cilantro seeds are often used in hair products. Such preparations help to normalize the hair structure and prevent the split ends. In addition, cilantro essential oil is often used, because it helps to improve the condition of the scalp, while preventing flaking and dandruff. Parsley, on the other hand, is often one of the components of face care products, which is explained by the low allergenicity of this spice. These products help eliminate irritation and swelling, unclog and tighten pores, and help fight acne.

In terms of chemical composition, these herbs also vary. So, in the composition of parsley, you can find the following nutrients that are absent in cilantro: organic acids, starch, and vitamin A. Cilantro contains more vitamins and antioxidants that cannot be found in parsley: these are vitamins P and B, saturated fatty acids, and magnesium.

Cilantro and parsley have different requirements for growing rules. So, cilantro loves light more and does not differ in frost resistance, and therefore for its cultivation it is better to choose those places that are well lit by the sun. Moreover, this culture requires regular watering and the elimination of weeds, and its growth occurs safely only in fertile soil with a neutral hydrogen index. Cilantro is usually planted in early spring or in the fall months. At the same time, they are placed so that its seeds are located 10 centimeters from each other, and the rows are 30 cm apart. When the seeds sprout, the plants need to be thinned.

It is also worth considering that in the heat, that is, at temperatures exceeding +35, this plant begins to form a barren flower - it is for this reason that its planting occurs so early. Planting of parsley usually takes place from February to the very middle of autumn, while between sowing, about three to four weeks should pass, which is necessary in order for the spice to regularly produce a crop. When planting parsley, it is recommended to maintain a distance of 15 centimeters between the rows, and 5 cm between the seeds themselves.