Coriandrum sativum, commonly known as coriander, cilantro, Chinese parsley or Mexican parsley, is a dual-purpose herb that yields both the flavorful cilantro leaves and the aromatic coriander seeds. Native to regions spanning southern Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, coriander is an edible herb with a sour, lemony taste that is widely used in cooking across the globe. While some people may detect a soapy taste due to a genetic sensitivity, coriander is a popular ingredient in a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Chinese, Burmese, and Indian. The fresh leaves are used in foods such as chutneys, guacamole, and salsa, while the dried seeds are used in spice blends like garam masala and as a pickling ingredient. Coriander roots are also used in Thai dishes for added depth of flavor. With nutritional benefits such as vitamin C and potassium, coriander is an herb with both taste and health appeal.