Cilantro (coriander)

Cilantro can be offered when your baby is ready for solids, around 6 months.

Cilantro comes from the Mediterranean region, where the land is fertile. Today it is grown most in the Americas and South Asia. You find it in dishes around the world, for example South Asian chutney and larb, or Central American salsa and sofrito.

Nutrition

Cilantro is usually used in small amounts, so its nutrition is limited. Vitamins K and A in fresh or dried leaves and stems help bones and eyes. It also provides a little vitamin C and folate. It also has antioxidants. Coriander seed carries lysine, fiber, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorus and iron.

Washing and storage

Rinse well before use, since sand and soil may have gotten onto the leaves at harvest. It spoils fast, so use it soon after buying. Leftovers keep in the fridge inside a closed bag, wrapped in damp paper. Another option is to puree it with some olive oil and freeze portions in an ice cube tray.

Soapy taste

For some people the taste of cilantro is bright and citrusy. To others it tastes bitter or soapy. Research points to a role for smell and taste genes. Environment matters too. Early, frequent use may help a baby get used to the taste. Crushing or heating the leaves breaks down the compound behind that taste. Serving it in a sauce or a cooked dish softens it.

No, fresh and dried cilantro carry a low risk when prepared for the child's age. In theory any food can cause choking. Leaves can stick to a baby's tongue or the inside of the mouth and cause gagging or coughing. A sip from an open cup then helps it go down. Stay within arm's reach at meals.

No, it is not a common allergen. Cilantro allergy is rare, though contact dermatitis and anaphylaxis have been reported. Cilantro and its seed may trigger a reaction if your child has oral allergy syndrome or is allergic to birch or mugwort pollen. That usually means a brief itch, tingle or burn in the mouth, and a dangerous reaction is unlikely.

Some people sensitive to cilantro may develop breathing symptoms or a rash when handling coriander powder while cooking.

Start with a small amount for the first servings. If there is no reaction, raise it slowly.