Difference Between Parsley and Cilantro


Main Difference

The main difference between Parsley and Cilantro is that Parsley is a biennial flowering plant that cultivated primarily, whereas Cilantro is the combination of stem and leaf that is the annual herb grown wildly throughout the world.

Parsley vs. Cilantro

Parsely is the Biennial flowering plant, while Cilantro is the Annual herb. Leaves of Parsely are dark green; conversely, Cilantro has light green leaves. Parsely is the individual plant, while Cilantro consists of stem and leaves of coriander herb. Parsely is grown from seed; on the other hand, Cilantro grows wildly.

Germination of Parsely is slow on the flip side; Cilantro germinates fastly. The leaves of Parsely are commonly used in cooking and décor purposes, whereas the seeds and leaves of cilantro both serve their function in cooking and décor. Parsely is chemically composed of lycopene, alpha, and beta carotene, while Cilantro consists of polyphenols and terpenes. Allergic reactions are not observed by the usage of Parsely, whereas Cilantro can cause allergic reactions.


Parsley is not much fragrant, while Cilantro is strongly aromatic. Parsely has a limited number of applications and uses. On the flip side, Cilantro has a wide range of applications and usage. Parsely has anti-bacterial properties, whereas Cilantro doesn’t have antibacterial properties. The taste of the leaves of Parsely is slightly tart, while Cilantro doesn’t have a tart taste. Parsely has no role in the prevention of heart diseases, whereas, use of Cilantro can prevent heart disease.

Comparison Chart

The biennial flowering plant, which is used in cooking and other purposes, is known as Parsely.The stem and leaves of Annual coriander plant used of cooking, medicinal and commercial purposes is known as Cilantro
Color of Leaves
Dark green in color.Light green in color.
Rate of Germination
It Germinates slowly.It Germinates fastly
Chemical Composition
Consist of Lycopene, alpha, and beta carotenes.Consist of polyphenols and terpenes.
Allergic Reactions
Not observedUsually found in some individuals.
Strength of Aroma
Less aromaticHighly aromatic
Cultivated speciallyFound wildly
Stem and leaves used in cooking and décor of the foodSeeds, besides stem and leaves, are used as apices, in cooking and other purposes

What is Parsley?

Parsley is among biennials flowering plant that belongs to family Apiaceae. It is also named as garden parsley with the scientific name of Petroselinum crispum. Its leaves are used for cooking purposes. Its use is every day in garnishing purposes, or to add a significant flavor to soups. After grinding, its leaves offers a mild taste. Its use is every day in American, European, and middle east cooking patterns.

In temperate climates, it is dark green biennial plants, whereas it becomes annual in tropical areas. Parsley grows from seed in moist and well-drained soil. Its germination is slow. Parsley has a wide range of nutrients that provide health benefits. The nutrients include flavonoids, antioxidants, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C and Vitamin K. it is a mixture of lycopene, alpha, and beta carotene. The main groups of parsley are French or curly leaves, Italian or flat leaves. These types are resistant to rain and sunshine and have a strong flavor.

Green parsley usually used as décor in potato dishes, rice dishes, fish, lamb goose, fried chicken, beef, and vegetable steaks. It is a vital part of individual salads. Parsley is rich in anti-oxidants hence protects the body from oxidative stress. It promotes bone health. Flavonoid is an ingredient that fights the cancer-causing cells, is a crucial nutrient in parsley. High blood pressure can reduce by using its tea. Carotene is necessary to maintain eye health. In extract forms, it offers antibacterial properties.

What is Cilantro?

Coriander is an annual herb. Its other name is Chinese parsley. The stem and leaves of coriander is called cilantro. Cilantro belongs to the Apiaceae family. The whole plant can eat, but sheets of cilantro are people’s preference or its seeds used for flavoring soups and some dishes. The origin of coriander is in Iran but grows wildly in other areas of the world. It was cultivated for its use in perfumes.

Its purpose is of two types; the seeds are used as apices, while the leaves uses are for the herb. The seeds are grounded and used as Garam Masala in Indian curries. The leaves used for garnishing purposes as well as part of salad in rare cases. Raw coriander leaves supply water, carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamin A, Vitamin k, vitamin C, and some minerals. It is a source of dietary fiber, calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. The oils from coriander seeds is rich in polyphenols and terpenes.

Some people are allergic to coriander leaves; the signs and appearance of allergy is like the food allergies. A pin-prick test is used for diagnosis. The effect of allergy may be mild or life-threating. It is a remedy for severe pains and swelling in the body. Cilantro is good for skin health. Besides these, it also protects the skin from sunlight. It’s one property to treat fungal infections. Its oil is a natural preservative. In Iran, cilantro is used to treat insomnia.

Key Differences

  1. Parsely is Binnell plant, while Cilantro is an annual plant
  2. The germination of Parsley is slow, whereas Cilantro germinates fastly
  3. Parsley can’t cause allergy; on the other side, Cilantro can cause allergy.
  4. The aroma of Parsely is not active as compared to Cilantro which has a strong fragrance
  5. Cultivation of Parsely occurs from seeds, on the flip side, Cilantro grows wildly.
  6. Leaves of Paresly are dark green; on the other hand, Cilantro consist of light green leaves.
  7. Parsely contains lycopene, alpha, and beta carotene, while cilantro consists of polyphenols and terpenes.


From the above discussion, it can be concluded that Parsely is Bienniel herb that is cultivated and contains dark green leaves which are used widely in cooking and décor of food; on the other hand, Cilantro is the annual herb that is found wildly and contains light green leaves which are used for cooking and other various purposes.

Janet White
