Would you like to improve your diet by learning how to cook with cilantro? Cilantro is both an herb and a spice, because both the leaves and seeds of the plant are used a condiment. Fresh cilantro and Italian flat leaf parsley are of the same plant family, the Umbelliferae.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=70#howtouse 

More widely referred to as coriander seeds, the seeds of the cilantro plant are considered one of the oldest spices in the world. They were used in the earliest civilizations of the Middle East and the Meditteranean, where they are native. Coriander is mentioned in the Old Testament, and Hippocrates used it for its medicinal properties. The leaves of the coriander, which are typically called cilantro in North America, play an important role in the culinary traditions of India, China and Latin America.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=70#howtouse 

If you can't grow your own cilantro, buy fresh cilantro leaves that look vibrant and deep green. Find those that are firm and crisp, and avoid those with brownish or yellowish spots. While you can find coriander seeds in grocery stores, you might want to visit ethnic markets or spice shops. Coriander powder can lose its flavor quickly, so it is recommended that you buy the seeds, which you can easily grind with a mortar and pestle just before cooking.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=70#howtouse 

Cilantro is quite perishable and therefore should be stored in the fridge. Place the cilantro roots in a glass of water and cover the leaves with a loose plastic bag. If there are no roots, wrap the leaves in damp paper towel, and keep them in a plastic bag. While cilantro leaves alone can last approximately three days, whole cilantro can last up to a week. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=70#howtouse 

Cilantro leaves can easily lose their crisp texture. Thaw and wash them only when you are about to use them. Clean cilantro just like you would clean spinach. Put the leaves in a bowl of cold water and rub them gently with your hands in order to remove any dirt. Repeat this process until the water is clear. Before grinding coriander seeds, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes in order to revive their aroma. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=70#howtouse 

Here are some ways you can use cilantro leaves and coriander seeds in cooking:

• Use a pepper mill to grind coriander.
  
• Mix coriander with honey, soymilk and cinnamon to make a drink.
• Flavor pancakes and waffles with ground coriander to make them Middle Eastern in taste.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=70#howtouse 
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves on soups and broths.
  
• Flavor nachos and salads with some cilantro.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6od_TknUV1w