Coriander is a cultivated annual or biennial herb native, most probably, to the eastern Mediterranean. Long ago, it spread to southern Asia and Europe, where it often grows wild as an escape. Finds in old Egyptian graves confirm that it was used by the Egyptians.
Because few can resist breaking off a sprig of this herald of spring, it is in danger of becoming an extinct species in the wild. It is dying out even though it will grow almost anywhere, tolerating dry conditions as well as limy soil and the air pollution of cities. It is, however, being planted in parks and gardens.
The name of the plant, which was used by Pliny, is derived from the Greek words `koris', meaning bed-bug, and `annon', meaning anise, for when rubbed between the fingers the fresh leaves smell of bed-bugs.
That is also why it is so expensive and hence the saying 'as costly as saffron'. In medieval times its adulteration by other admixtures was punished by burning the culprit at the stake or burying him alive.
Cornelian cherry is a member of the large genus Corms, as is the dogwood, from which it differs by having hairs arranged in parallel lines on the underside of the leaves. Cornelian cherry grows to a height of 7 in (23ft), thus being more of a tree than a shrub. It is distributed mainly in southern Europe and Asia Minor.
The plant is closely related to caraway, fennel, dill and anise. The coriander sold in shops is from cultivated plants. It is raised mainly on the coast of north Africa, chiefly in Morocco, as well as in Europe, India, North and South America, principally in Argentina. The ripe fruits have a sweetish, slightly pungent flavour and a pleasant aroma. - 15266
Because few can resist breaking off a sprig of this herald of spring, it is in danger of becoming an extinct species in the wild. It is dying out even though it will grow almost anywhere, tolerating dry conditions as well as limy soil and the air pollution of cities. It is, however, being planted in parks and gardens.
The name of the plant, which was used by Pliny, is derived from the Greek words `koris', meaning bed-bug, and `annon', meaning anise, for when rubbed between the fingers the fresh leaves smell of bed-bugs.
That is also why it is so expensive and hence the saying 'as costly as saffron'. In medieval times its adulteration by other admixtures was punished by burning the culprit at the stake or burying him alive.
Cornelian cherry is a member of the large genus Corms, as is the dogwood, from which it differs by having hairs arranged in parallel lines on the underside of the leaves. Cornelian cherry grows to a height of 7 in (23ft), thus being more of a tree than a shrub. It is distributed mainly in southern Europe and Asia Minor.
The plant is closely related to caraway, fennel, dill and anise. The coriander sold in shops is from cultivated plants. It is raised mainly on the coast of north Africa, chiefly in Morocco, as well as in Europe, India, North and South America, principally in Argentina. The ripe fruits have a sweetish, slightly pungent flavour and a pleasant aroma. - 15266
