In ancient times, Roman society used cilantro both as a seasoning and for its medicinal value and Egyptians laid coriander seeds in their tombs. In more recent centuries, Revolutionary War lore mentions the settlers' taste for coriander cookies. Not only is cilantro used in all kinds of cooking, coriander seeds are used in candy, tobacco, pickles, and even used to infuse vermouth and gin for specialized cocktails. Cilantro figures prominently in Mexican, Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. It is often used to spice up salsas, fruity desserts, stir-fries, and curry dishes.
Fresh cilantro is easy to find in the produce section of any self-respecting grocery store.
Separate Cilantro into several smaller bunches and carefully rinse under a gentle spray of cool water. Shake off any excess water, spread on paper towels, and allow to air dry. It is very important to note that Cilantro doesn't store very well. Cilantro cannot be frozen or dried the way other herbs can. If you are a cilantro fan, here are a couple of recipes to get you started in using the herb in your own kitchen.