If you love Cilantro, why not try these?

Image from Yukjo Chan, via Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/yukochatulapoly/My wife and I absolutely love Cilantro. I understand that it’s a love it or leave it type of herb. My brother-in-law can’t stand it! Last year, I ran across a similar Mexican herb called Papalo. Unfortunately, we could not get it to germinate. This year I planned on trying again. Luckily for us, I discovered a couple of new plants as well.

Papalo, also known as Papaloquelite is said to have a stronger flavor than Cilantro but is similar in taste. Apparently it also keeps its flavor after being dried. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and has a spread of about 2 feet. The leaves are usually eaten fresh or added after cooking is complete.

Culantro, also known as Mexican Coriander, is also said to have flavor similar to Cilantro. It has serrated leaves and grows to about 1 foot tall. Normal spacing is about 6 inches. It is used widely in the Carribean.

Epazote is one that actually doesn’t taste like Cilantro. Surprisingly however, it also is said to have a taste that you love or hate. Epazote has been used for ages in making beans more digestible. It also figures prominently in authentic taste when preparing Mexican dishes. Epazote, will grow to about 4 feet tall. Lastly, it is said to be toxic in large quantities. What could be better than eating poisonous plants? 🙂 No one really knows exactly what quantity is takes to be poisonous, but it is universally believed that no one could willing eat that much in a single sitting.

Try one or all of these herbs from South of the Border. Good luck with your gardens.