Best Ground Coriander Uses: The Ultimate Seasoning Guide

Coriander is a ground herb that has been used as both a spice and medicinal plant for centuries. These plants originated in the Mediterranean region, where they were ground into powder to be sprinkled over dishes. It was also believed to have healing properties by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

It’s made from ground-up seeds of the coriander plant. The ground coriander seed can be used as a seasoning or ground into a powder for baking purposes. Coriander can also be ground to make an herbal tea, which some people enjoy before bedtime to aid in sleep.

So, if you’re wondering what some of the uses of this versatile flavoring are, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ground coriander uses including what it is, how it’s used, its origins, health benefits (both culinary and medicinal), and frequently asked questions.

What is Coriander?


Coriander is a plant with an aromatic, spicy taste that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Coriander can be used in many ways and provides different health benefits depending on how it’s consumed. It comes from the seeds or fruits of Coriandrum Sativum. The plant produces seeds that are harvested whole and then ground into a powder to make ground coriander.

Coriander is a popular condiment in Indian cooking but it can also be found in Mexican, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean foods. The robust and warming spice is sprinkled on dishes and is also used in many traditional medicine practices.

The origins of coriander

Coriander is said to have originated in the Mediterranean region and was first used there and throughout parts of southwestern Europe. As one of the oldest spices, experts believe coriander was used around 5,000 years ago. There are records of it in Sanskrit in Egyptian tombs, in the Old Testament of the Bible, and it was one of the first herbs grown by American colonists in Massachusetts.

Coriander was frequently used for its healing properties by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It was also used for its aromatic flavor, as it still is today. These days, it has spread globally, and now, the herb is used worldwide.

How is ground coriander used?

ground coriander

Ground coriander is used primarily as a spice that is dissolved into a variety of dishes from taco mix to curries. It can also be found in curries such as Indian dhal soup or sprinkled over some foods. When it comes to cooking, ground coriander works particularly well as a seasoning for fish, curries, soups, vegetables, rice pilafs, and other various dishes.

However, from a healthcare point of view, ground coriander has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Today there have been many scientific studies that show how ground coriander offers health benefits including reducing stomach upset from indigestion (due to being rich in antioxidants) which can help with ulcers and heartburns. It can also possibly help to prevent cancer due to containing phenolic compounds that can stop the growth of cancer cells, and also act as a bactericidal agent.

What does it taste like?

Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor. It’s quite a lemony spice and has a woody undertone.

But because it has such a mild flavor, it is a popular spice to use as the base of spice mixes. The spice blends well with cumin and many recipes include equal portions of the two. Just a teaspoon of ground coriander will give any dish a subtle, pleasant taste without being overwhelming.

Cooking with coriander

Cooking with coriander

Aside from ground coriander, there are many other ways to cook with the plant. You can also use the seeds before they are ground up, and cook with the leaves. Here are some ways you can cook with each type of coriander.

Coriander seeds

Coriander seeds are what is ground up to make ground coriander, but you can also use them whole if you wish. They are typically toasted and are good for adding a subtle savory flavor to soups and rice dishes such as soup or pilafs.

Ground coriander

Ground coriander is best used by dissolving it into the dish that it’s placed in. It’s good for cooking savory rice or vegetarian dishes like soups and curries. It’s also often used as a base for a lot of spice mixes. The modest flavor and wide range of uses of this powder make it a must-have on your spice rack.

Fresh coriander

Fresh coriander

You can cook with fresh coriander and use both the leaves and stems of the plant. The leaves of the plant – which should be used in moderation due to its slightly bitter taste – have been known by many cultures across Asia and Europe since ancient times as an ingredient that is often paired with seafood. Coriander’s fresh herbaceous aroma makes it perfect for fish like halibut, salmon, lobster, sole, scallop tartare (raw), tuna carpaccio (raw), shrimp cocktail sauce, crayfish bisque (creamy ground cornmeal-based soup), and more!

Dried coriander

You can also dry the leaves of the coriander plant so that they keep longer. Cooking with them dried means you also lose the risk of the bitter flavor that you can sometimes get when the plant is fresh. Dried coriander is a great way to add spices and flavor to various dishes such as soups, rice pilafs, pasta sauces, lamb stew, lentils with chicken and chiles (flavorful Mexican soup), or even egg omelet.

If you don’t have ground coriander

Because the flavor of this spice is so mild, it’s easy enough to substitute it for another flavor or leave it out of some dishes altogether. But, if you don’t have coriander in your cupboards, and want a substitute, you can use cumin, mild curry powder, or even crush up some coriander seeds with a pestle and mortar.

Where to buy ground coriander


Ground coriander is available from specialty spice stores or high-end supermarkets. In places like Walmart, Asda, or Tesco, it’ll usually be found down the ingredients and sauces isles. You may also be able to find it in the world food sections.

It’s easy to buy ground coriander from a trade or wholesale superstore like Costco, or online – both in bulk and individual quantities depending on your needs.

Make sure you buy it from a trusted source – the spice should be pale brown in color and not lumpy. Be sure to check the manufacturer date before you purchase too as the older the powder, the weaker the taste is.

If you wanted to take it one step further and completely ensure that your ground coriander is as fresh as it can be, you could even purchase coriander seeds and grind them yourself at home.

Or you can grow your own.

Coriander is a fairly easy plant to grow. Plant it in the spring in direct sunlight, and you can harvest both the leaves, stems, and seeds just a few months later.

How to store ground coriander

Ground coriander is much easier to store and keep than its fresh counterpart. It can be kept for up to eight months in a sealed, airtight container, or you could simply store it in the jar that it came in.

However, if it’s not stored correctly, it can start to lose its taste. Be sure to keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, as the spice will start to deteriorate in quality. It may also clump together if it gets too hot.

What are the health benefits of ground coriander?

Coriander Ground

Coriander has many surprising health benefits that make it a must-have spice on your kitchen shelf. It contains a number of essential nutrients such as vitamin K, iron, and folate. It’s also been shown to help with the digestion process thanks to its high fiber content – ground coriander is even believed by some experts to have healing qualities in ayurvedic medicine for digestive issues.

Occasionally ground coriander is also used in a culinary capacity for its ability to help soothe gas and bloating, as well as reduce cramps. And ground coriander may even be helpful when it comes to promoting healthy blood circulation too.

Here is some more information about the health benefits of the plant:

Can relieve skin disorders

Coriander has been shown to help clean up irritable skin conditions such as dryness, eczema, and fungal infections. This is because it has disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.

Provides relief from indigestion

Coriander is known for its ability to help with the digestion process, thanks to its high fiber content. It’s been shown in studies that ground coriander can help soothe gas and bloating, as well as reduce cramps – it may even be helpful when it comes to promoting healthy blood circulation.

Can reduce cholesterol levels

Coriander seeds contain compounds like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and ascorbic acid, which is also known as Vitamin C. This can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood and combat bad LDL cholesterol deposition along the inner walls of arteries and veins. This, in turn, could help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

May ease diarrhea

Coriander may help with diarrhea, as the essential oils found in the plant contain substances like borneol and linalool, which assist with digestion and healthy bowels. As well as helping to ease diarrhea, this can also help the liver to function correctly.

Can protect against salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria that are known to cause food poisoning. Ground coriander also contains unusually high levels of duodenal, which may help with digestion but can also combat salmonella by creating an inhospitable environment for the bacteria. The organic compound within the seeds of coriander has been shown to be twice as powerful as antibiotics as the leading treatment for salmonella-based illness.

Can improve bone health

Coriander’s high calcium content makes it great for bone protection. The calcium and other essential minerals found in coriander may be helpful for bone regrowth, durability, and keeping your bones healthy.

Recipes that use ground coriander

Carrot, coriander, and ginger soup

Carrot, coriander, and ginger soup

This smokey recipe combines ground coriander with fresh ginger and the sweet, earthy flavor of fresh carrots. The resulting flavor is a one-of-a-kind soup that’s perfect for colder months.

Spicy lamb madras

Whether the coriander in this dish is used to marinate the meat or in the curry sauce, it’ll add a delightful warming, citrusy flavor to this spicy Indian dish.

Coriander rice salad with lime dressing

This salad is a perfect way to use ground coriander on cold foods, thanks to the citrusy flavor it adds – you could even throw some avocado into the mix! The result is an amazing side dish that’ll go well at any picnic or BBQ.

Thai massaman curry

Thai massaman curry

The ground coriander in this recipe is a great addition to this traditional Thai dish – the flavor pairs well with spicy dishes. It gives it an extra smokey kick and the nutty flavor goes well with the nutty flavor of the curry.

Smokey fish tacos

Simply toss some peppers, red onions, fresh fish, or prawns (or chicken if you’d prefer), with some smoked paprika, ground coriander, and seasoning, and you’ve got the perfect smokey fish tacos.

Spiced potatoes

Spiced potatoes

As a general rule, spices go great with potatoes. This recipe is a great way to use ground coriander with vegetables – the ground coriander will add an extra depth of flavor that’ll make this dish stand out from all the others and turns a fairly bland root vegetable dish into a delicious, flavourful masterpiece.

FAQs About Ground Coriander Uses:

Question: Is ground coriander hot?

Answer: No, ground coriander is not hot. It has a mild, citrusy, warm, and slightly nutty flavor, that is light and delicious in a lot of different dishes.

Question: How do I grow coriander?

Answer: Coriander grows best in a warm and dry environment with plenty of sunlight. The seeds need to be planted about one inch deep into moist soil during the springtime – water them every so often for optimal growth. Once they are grown, you’ll need to wait until the plant goes to seed, harvest the seeds, and grind them up in order to grow your own ground coriander from scratch.

Question: What is ground coriander?

Answer: Ground coriander is a spice that comes from the ground-up seed of cilantro, which is also known as coriander. These are part of the Apiaceae family and grown in dry regions throughout Europe, India, North America, and Mexico. Ground coriander can be used to flavor a number of different dishes.

Question: What is ground coriander good for?

Answer: Ground Coriander has a lot of health benefits, which are listed in the blog post above. However, a few of them include helping to reduce cholesterol, relieving skin conditions, and helping to cure food poisoning.

Question: Where does ground coriander come from?

Answer: Ground coriander comes from cilantro leaves that grow in dry regions throughout Europe, India, North America, and Mexico.

Question: What is the difference between coriander and cilantro?

Answer: Coriander and cilantro both come from the same plant, but they have slightly different flavors. Cilantro usually refers to the stem and leaves of the plant whereas coriander often means the seeds. Cilantro has a more refreshing taste (but some people perceive is as soapy), while coriander had a warmer, nuttier flavor.

Question: Can ground coriander go bad?

Answer: Ground coriander should be stored in an airtight container – it can last for many months without going rancid or spoil if you keep it sealed tightly to avoid contact with moisture.

Question: What does ground coriander smell like?

Answer: Ground coriander has such a complex flavor profile – one minute smelling citrusy, then nutty, tangy, sweet…it’s most definitely difficult to put your finger on just what this spice smells like.

Question: What is the difference between ground coriander and coriander seeds?

Answer: Coriander seeds and ground coriander are effectively the same things just in different forms. Coriander seeds are the whole version of the spice, while ground coriander is the seeds crushed into a powder.

Question: What meat goes well with coriander?

Answer: Coriander goes well with chicken, ground beef, and even lamb – it can be used to make delicious curries, tacos, tagines, or many other delicious meat dishes.

Question: What vegetables go well with ground coriander?

Answer: Coriander goes really well with any type of vegetable but particularly root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, and carrots. It can be used in Indian, Moroccan, and Thai cooking as well as butternut squash soup or pumpkin pie.

Final Thoughts

Overall, ground coriander is an essential spice that works well in a variety of dishes. It’s also great for creating delicious flavors in cooking and baking. Ground coriander is a spice that can be ground or whole – it has many health benefits, too.

We hope you enjoyed our ultimate guide to ground coriander. Give ground coriander a try the next time you’re wanting to bring some warm flavor into your dish.

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