In this article, we will compare and contrast culantro and cilantro so that you can fully understand the differences between them. We will address which plant families they are from, what they look like, and what they taste like. Finally, we will go over where both of these herbs grow best in case you are interested in harvesting your own. Let’s get started!
Comparing Culantro vs Cilantro
Key Differences Between Culantro vs Cilantro
There are a number of key differences between culantro and cilantro. For example, culantro and cilantro are both from the same plant family, but very different genus and species from one another. In addition, the leaves found on cilantro are scalloped and more delicate compared to the long and serrated leaves found on culantro. The flavor of culantro is stronger than the flavor of cilantro. Let’s go over all of these differences and a few others in more detail now.
Culantro vs Cilantro: Classification
While they may taste similarly and have similar names to each other, culantro and cilantro have very different plant classifications from one another. Both belonging to the Apiaceae family, culantro and cilantro are related to parsley and carrots. However, culantro belongs to the Eryngium genus, while cilantro belongs to the Coriandrum genus. Looking at their specific classifications in more detail, we classify culantro as Eryngium foetidum, and cilantro as Coriandrum sativum.
Culantro vs Cilantro: Description
You can easily tell culantro apart from cilantro, based on their physical appearance and plant description. For example, culantro plants grow in a similar fashion to lettuce or dandelion greens, with a central head, while cilantro grows as delicate fronds and branches. In addition, cilantro plants reach an average of two feet tall, while culantro only reaches one foot in height. Besides these differences, the most obvious physical difference between these two plants lies in their leaf shape. Cilantro has uniquely scalloped shaped leaves that are delicate, while culantro leaves are long, narrow, thicker, and serrated at the edges. When sold in local markets, culantro is typically bundled with only leaves, while cilantro has long and skinny stems attached.
Culantro vs Cilantro: Uses
Culantro and cilantro have similar uses to one another, given their unique flavor and taste. They are both used in a variety of cuisines and dishes around the world, though culantro is frequently used in recipes from South America and the Caribbean, while cilantro is primarily used in Asian and Mexican cuisine. However, one of the main differences in their uses lies in their heat tolerance. For example, culantro leaves stand up to heat and cooking much better than cilantro does. Most recipes that call for cilantro ask for it as a garnish or last-minute addition, while culantro can be added to a recipe at just about any step and still preserve its flavor.
Culantro vs Cilantro: Origin and How to Grow
While they have similar names, culantro and cilantro originated in different locations. Culantro is native to South America, while cilantro is native to the Mediterranean. In addition to this, you may want to choose different growing locations for your cilantro and culantro, as cilantro can handle more direct sunshine compared to the partial-shade-loving culantro. Finally, cilantro is an annual herb while culantro is a perennial, in case you want to grow either option!
Culantro vs Cilantro: Flavor and Taste
A final difference, and perhaps the most interesting difference, between culantro and cilantro is their flavor and taste. Compared to one another, culantro has a much stronger flavor compared to cilantro, but both of these plants have a unique taste overall. They are described as citrusy and herby overall, but many people report that culantro and cilantro have a soapy aftertaste. This can be attributed to a certain gene present in humans, and it directly affects their enjoyment of culantro and cilantro. While both plants taste like this, culantro has a much stronger flavor compared to cilantro, so you may want to avoid culantro if you already know you don’t like the flavor of cilantro!
