A closeup of bunches of culantro coyote and cilantro leaves in the market
Food - Drink
What Is Culantro And How Is It Different From Cilantro?
By BRETT LLENOS SMITH
A bundle of culantro leaves on a cutting board with a knife
When you read the word "culantro," you might think it's a misspelling of cilantro, but culantro is a popular herb used in cuisines around the world, just like its cousin cilantro.
Multiple culantro leaves in a bundle on a white background
Culantro, AKA "long coriander," "recao," "ngo gai," and "wide leaf cilantro” in different regions of the world, belongs to the Apiaceae family along with cilantro and parsley.
Five culantro leaves on a wooden plate
Culantro tastes similar to cilantro, but with a more potent flavor, and while cilantro has papery, delicate leaves, culantro is heartier with long, spear-shaped leaves.
A bowl of stew with cilantro leaves
Sturdy culantro stands up to cooking in stews, soaking in marinades, and more. When substituting culantro for cilantro, use a light hand, since its flavor can be overpowering.
Culantro leaves with roots attached on a white background
Always chop or shred culantro to get the most out of its flavor. In the U.S., you're more likely to find culantro at an Asian or Latin American market than a standard supermarket.
A culantro plant growing in a garden
You can also easily grow culantro in a warm, mostly shaded spot with well-draining soil. This herb can even be brewed into a tea with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.