Everything You Need to Know About Hydroponic Cilantro
Whether you call it cilantro or coriander, this delicious herb is a staple in cuisines worldwide. In fact, it’s one of the most widely used herbs in the world, with fans in Mexico, India, Thailand, China, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, just to name a few. In fact, the oldest known use for cilantro dates back to ancient Israel, more than 8,000 years ago!
Today’s cilantro is a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient, but for fans of the spicy herb, it simply can’t be beaten. The entire cilantro plant is edible, and it offers a wealth of health and nutritional benefits. But perhaps best of all, this delicious herb grows well in a hydroponic greenhouse, meaning you can enjoy fresh cilantro year-round, regardless of climate or weather.
How to Grow Cilantro in a Hydroponic System
Cilantro is a versatile herb that will grow in almost any type of hydroponic environment. It takes about 7-10 days to germinate and should be kept at a temperature ranging from 50 to 70°F during this time. Maturity from seed takes about 50-55 days, though the leaves can be harvested starting around 5.5 weeks.
While growing your cilantro, keep the water at a pH between 5.5 and 6.7. The EC range should be 1.2-1.8, though seedlings can start with a much lower EC. Cilantro needs a lot of nitrogen in its nutrient solution for healthy growth and should get about 12 hours of light per day and a temperature between 40 and 75°F.
How to Use Cilantro
Cilantro is one of the most versatile herbs in the world, with uses in all sorts of dishes. Here are a few delicious ways to use your hydroponic cilantro:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves onto sour cream or plain yogurt for a quick and tasty topping for soups and stews.
Dress up plain rice by mixing in some cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Add cilantro stems to a bottle of oil to create a flavorful drizzle for meats and pasta.
Garnish your favorite cocktail with a sprig of cilantro for a zesty kick.
Add chopped cilantro to grilled meats or veggies to add flavor and color.
Use it to create a delicious pesto or pair with mint for a fresh and snappy salad.
Cilantro Health Benefits & Nutrition Facts
Like many herbs, cilantro has been a big part of traditional medicine for centuries. Today, many people still use this herb for the benefits it can bring. Coriander has been positively associated with a reduction in anxiety and reduced symptoms of brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. An enzyme in the herb can even help clean excess sugars from the blood, making it a favorite for diabetic patients. It contains a concentration of dodecenal, a known antimicrobial that may help fend off salmonella and other foodborne illnesses. It’s even been used to reduce pain and inflammation for migraine sufferers.
As for nutritional benefits, a cup of cilantro contains about 4 calories and very little fat, but offers the benefits of vitamins A, C, and K. The herb also contains folate, manganese, potassium, and even beta-carotene.