Eryngium foetidum

Eryngium foetidum is a tropical perennial herb in the family Apiaceae. Its common names include culantro, recao, shadow beni, Mexican coriander, bhandhania, long coriander, sawtooth coriander, and ngò gai. It is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, but is cultivated worldwide.

Description

Eryngium foetidum is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant, growing up to 40 cm in height. It has a rosette of leaves at the base of the plant, and these are broadly lanceolate, 5–30 cm long and 1–4 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small and green, produced in a dense umbel.

Cultivation and uses

Eryngium foetidum is widely used in seasoning, marinating and garnishing in the Caribbean, particularly in Panama, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago, and in Peru's Amazon regions. It is also used extensively in Thailand, India, Vietnam, Laos, and other parts of Asia as a culinary herb. This variety of coriander dries well, retaining good color and flavor, making it valuable in the dried herb industry. It is sometimes used as a substitute for coriander, but it has a much stronger flavor.

Medicinal uses

In certain cultures, Eryngium foetidum has been used for its medicinal properties. In the Amazon regions of Peru, the plant is boiled, and the water is used as a medicinal tea. This tea is said to have the following medicinal properties: anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-epileptic, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial, and cytotoxic activities.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of plants used in herbalism

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