Ingredient Guide•Cilantro
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Contains ProteinSource of FiberLow Calorie
Spices & HerbsLeafy GreensMediterranean & West Asia
CilantroCalories, Nutrition Facts, Culinary Uses & Recipes
Scientific Name:Coriandrum sativum
Also known as:
Dhaniya PattiCoriander Leaves
Cilantro is a fresh herb with a bright, citrusy flavor used in many global cuisines. It contains antioxidants and may help with digestion and detoxification.
Calories (100g)23 kcal
Dietary ProfileVegan & Vegetarian
Default UnitHandful
Calories in Cilantro & Nutritional Facts
Standard food-composition values per 100g edible portion and realistic serving portions
How many calories are in Cilantro?
100 grams of Cilantro (raw/dry reference weight) provides approximately 23 kcal, 3.7g carbohydrates, 2.1g protein, 0.5g fat, and 2.8g dietary fiber. A realistic single-person portion of 50g contains roughly 12 kcal before cooking oils or garnishes.
23.0kcal
Calories
2.1g
Protein
3.7g
Carbs
0.5g
Fat
2.8g
Fiber
0.8g
Sugar
| Portion Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 30g (Small / 2–3 Tbsp) | 7 kcal | 1.1g | 0.6g | 0.2g | 0.8g |
| Per 50g (Standard Home Serving) | 12 kcal | 1.8g | 1.1g | 0.3g | 1.4g |
| Per 100g (Standard Reference) | 23 kcal | 3.7g | 2.1g | 0.5g | 2.8g |
Source & Disclaimer: Nutritional figures represent approximate values per 100g edible portion compiled from standard food-composition references (including ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables & USDA FoodData Central). Values vary by grain thickness, moisture, brand, and added cooking oils or garnishes. Provided for general culinary information only and not as medical or clinical dietary advice.
Storage Instructions
Keep Cilantro fresh and long-lasting
Room Temperature & Fridge: Fresh cilantro keeps for a few hours on the counter, but lasts up to two weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Wrap the unwashed stems in a slightly damp paper towel, place them inside a loosely sealed plastic bag, and put them in the vegetable crisper. In the Freezer: Chop the leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or oil if you want to save them for future tadkas and soups.
Kitchen Preparation & Cooking Uses
Best culinary practices & prep tips
How to Wash: Rinse cilantro thoroughly in a large bowl of cold water to remove hidden grit and dirt from the leaves and stems. How to Chop: Do not throw away the tender stems because they hold a lot of flavor and chop up easily for curries and chutneys. Best Way to Use: Add most of the cilantro at the very end of cooking or use it raw as a garnish so the fresh oils do not fade away from heat.
General Nutritional & Wellness Notes
Everyday dietary context for Cilantro as part of balanced home cooking
Cilantro is a low-calorie leafy herb packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus good amounts of dietary fiber. It is very gentle on the stomach and helps support smooth digestion after a heavy meal. Eating it regularly also gives your body helpful antioxidants that reduce daily cell stress and support overall immunity.
Culinary Uses, Origins & Cultural Heritage
How Cilantro is used across regional kitchens and history
Common Culinary Uses
Historical records show that ancient Egyptians placed cilantro seeds in tombs, and the ancient Greeks used them to make scented oils and medicines. Over the centuries, people learned that while the seeds have a warm, earthy spice note, the fresh green leaves taste entirely different with a sharp, herbal bite.
Historical Roots
Cilantro comes from the regions around the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia, where it grew wild in ancient times. From there, traders and travelers carried the seeds and plants along early spice routes into Europe, the Middle East, and across the Asian continent.
Regional & Cultural Traditions
In Indian homes, fresh cilantro leaves known as hara dhaniya are an absolute daily essential, often tossed onto dals, sabzis, and biryanis right before serving. In Mexican and Central American kitchens, it is chopped raw with onions, tomatoes, and lime to make fresh salsas that add a bright kick to heavy foods.
Did You Know?
A specific genetic trait makes cilantro taste soapy and unpleasant to some people due to how they perceive certain natural leaf chemicals. Did you know that the plant actually produces two completely different ingredients, since the leafy green top is cilantro while the dried round seed is coriander?
Chef & Cooking Tips
If your cilantro starts looking a bit limp, trim the very bottom of the stems and stand the bunch upright in a glass of cold water in the fridge like flowers to perk it up. To save leftover cilantro from spoiling quickly, blend it with green chilies, garlic, salt, and lemon juice into a quick green chutney that stays good for days.
Recipes Using Cilantro
Explore 6 recipes featuring Cilantro
Frequently Asked Questions about Cilantro
Common questions on calories, cooking methods, and kitchen storage
How many calories are in Cilantro?
Per 100 grams (raw/dry reference weight), Cilantro contains approximately 23 kcal, 3.7g carbohydrates, 2.1g protein, 0.5g fat, and 2.8g dietary fiber. A typical 50g culinary portion provides roughly 12 kcal before cooking oils, butter, or garnishes are added.
What is Cilantro and how is it used in cooking?
Cilantro is a fresh herb with a bright, citrusy flavor used in many global cuisines. It contains antioxidants and may help with digestion and detoxification.
How do you prepare and cook with Cilantro?
How to Wash: Rinse cilantro thoroughly in a large bowl of cold water to remove hidden grit and dirt from the leaves and stems. How to Chop: Do not throw away the tender stems because they hold a lot of flavor and chop up easily for curries and chutneys. Best Way to Use: Add most of the cilantro at the very end of cooking or use it raw as a garnish so the fresh oils do not fade away from heat.
How should Cilantro be stored to keep it fresh?
Room Temperature & Fridge: Fresh cilantro keeps for a few hours on the counter, but lasts up to two weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Wrap the unwashed stems in a slightly damp paper towel, place them inside a loosely sealed plastic bag, and put them in the vegetable crisper. In the Freezer: Chop the leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or oil if you want to save them for future tadkas and soups.
What are the nutritional qualities of Cilantro?
Cilantro is a low-calorie leafy herb packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus good amounts of dietary fiber. It is very gentle on the stomach and helps support smooth digestion after a heavy meal. Eating it regularly also gives your body helpful antioxidants that reduce daily cell stress and support overall immunity. (For general culinary reference only, not medical advice.)
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