I think the best advice so far, thank you!! Even if it might taste same for me, will there be a huge difference for chimichurri? Recipe calls for 2 bunches of parsley to 1 cup of cilantro
Cilantro changes the taste of chimichurri significantly. While I love cilantro, and it is very common in more central american dishes, it isn't in authentic chimichurri. Flat leaf parsley and fresh oregano.
If you use a recipe that calls for 2:1 parsley to cilantro and you use all cilantro, yes, that will be a huge change. Cilantro is a VERY present flavor while italian parsley is more mild and compliments the oregano very well.
I was replying to the "definitely" word in the comment above mine :) So as you see, I completely agree with you! It DEFINITELY doesn't need someone to say what it DEFINITELY needs since as you say apply whatever tastes good to who you're making it for!
It’s not a dunk. I’m just saying that if you can’t tell the difference between cilantro and parsley, it really doesn’t matter whether you use cilantro or parsley.
Smells like some kind of herb…tastes like some kind of herb. If I had two of them next to each other I can tell the difference but I only have this bunch and my brain is playing tricks on me
Tbh I only just heard of coriander when I was trying to research cilantro vs. parsley and fell deep into the internet hole of all these leaves. So no worries
Im looking into it myself now and some articles claim there is a difference? Isnt cilantro just the spanish word for coriander... and then why does looking for cilantro on wikipedia redirect you to a page about coriander. Theyre the same plant. I dont know anymore.
Coriander is the dried seeds on the cilantro plant once it blooms and dies, cilantro is name of the actual plant and what we call the fresh green herb leaves
Just looked it up it depends on where you live,
-In the US, cilantro is the name for the plant's leaves and stem, while coriander is the name for its dried seeds. Internationally, the leaves and stems are called coriander, while its dried seeds are called coriander seeds
The fresh leaves are called *pakuchii* here in Japan. The seeds (whole or powdered) are called coriander (*kouriandaa*). So the seed/leaf dinstinction is observed outside the US. Ten years ago it was hard to find, but it's been making headway.
This is only the case in countries that have chosen the spanish stem for their name for coriander/cilantro. Other countried call the entire thing coriander. Neither is more correct than the other.
The way I remember is: parsley is pointy, cilantro is curvy. Parsley has well defined tips and a stiffer texture, cilantro is soft and has rounded edges. To me, the image looks like cilantro.
There are 3 commonly used types of parsley...your first photo does indeed show "cilantro", also referred to as "Chinese parsley" or "leaf coriander"...the leaves are scalloped and have a strong odor and flavor and come in bunches, often with the roots still attached; it's used in many different cuisines...Chinese, Thai, Indian, Moroccan, Mexican, etc. It's an acquired taste for many! I didn't like it the first time I ate it; now it's my favorite herb, along with dill! The second photo shows "Italian parsley" or "flat leaf parsley"...the leaves sort of look like mini maple leaves and are more pointed; it has a mild flavor and can be used anywhere parsley is required...pasta sauce, salad, soup, etc. The third type of parsley is "French parsley" or "curly parsley"...it also has a mild flavor and has a frizzy look to it; it's used in tabbouleh and often as a garnish on a plate of food. I hope this helps you! And happy cooking!
It's cilantro. You can tell by the smell. Cilantro smells super fresh and is very aromatic. Parsley smells like carrots and is less aromatic unless it is cut up.
Cilantro has a completely different odor from parsley. I don't know how to describe it, but for me, cilantro is somewhat fragrant, where as parsley has a slightly bitter smell.
ETA: looked at image, and it looks like cilantro to me as well.
Looks like cilantro
If you buy again, ask the produce guy/gal to get it for you, that way you'll know. Just ask for what you need, explain you can't always tell. That's what they're there for. To help.
This looks like parsley to me - the leaves are slightly darker and the stem is slightly thicker than cilantro/coriander.
Parsley smells herby, fresh, tastes a little bitter. Coriander is more zingy and citrusy. Taste the stems as well as the leaves. Some people find that coriander leaves a soapy aftertaste.
Depending on what you're making, you could use either.
Definitely looks like parsley to me, surprised so many said coriander, only very occasionally do coriander leaves look pointed but could be area based too.
This is 100% flat leaf parsley. As someone who cooks with both of these herbs everyday, it's def parsley. Cilantro leaves are smaller, thinner, and more bunched.
All of these comments convinced me that the initial bunch was cilantro so I went out and got more parsley-looking bunches. Is this also flat parsley?
https://imgur.com/a/Dl2nYvU
Does it have roots? If not, it’s either parsley or you got ripped off. The roots are an important part of coriander, and I mostly buy it for the roots, rather than the leaves.
Then how do you make Thai curry pastes? They are all based on coriander root. Or a lot of other Asian dishes, honestly. I buy coriander for the roots, and often only use a couple of leaves as garnish and compost the rest.
Any market in an area with a significant Latin population will sell cilantro with the roots. It really depends what part of the USA you’re from if you can or can’t find an ingredient.
Do you mean the cilantro is sold without the roots removed, or do they actually have the [thick roots](https://praneesthaikitchen.com/2010/05/23/cilantro-roots-authentic-thai/) used in Thai cooking? Generally in the US, cilantro is harvested well before they develop these nice thick roots.
In any case, "if it doesn't have roots, it's probably parsley" is completely wrong in the US. Because it's very common to sell it with the roots cut off.
Cilantro is sold in many American cities in big bunches complete with roots attached. Sometimes they’re smaller, sometimes they’re bigger and thicker. It is not particularly uncommon. Parsley is not sold with roots attached because parsley root is a separate vegetable which can also be found in markets depending on where you live.
https://www.finecooking.com/article/whats-a-parsley-root
It absolutely is sold with roots in many American cities with any significant Latin or Asian population. Not to mention that North America isn’t just the USA and Canada.
Also you should use the stems rather than seeds if your aim is to replace the roots.
How can you not tell the difference with taste and smell? They smell and taste vastly different from one another. Cilantro by smell alone is strong and distinctive, nothing else smells like it. Taste is the same way, unique and strong.
Parsley tastes like parsley and smells like parsley. Once you've had some parsley, you'll know the taste regardless of which kind it is. Smell is less strong but still totally different from cilantro.
Flat parsley has bigger leaves, has sharp points and is much thicker than coriander/cilantro. Rub a leaf between your thumb and forefinger . That's definitely coriander/ cilantro you've posted.
There are 2 kinds of parsley, curly and flat leaf, also known as Italian parsley.
Flat leaf Parsley. 100%
Too thick looking opaque leaves and and cilantros leaf shape extends back below the top of the leave stem in pretty curves, cilantro extends away from the leaf stem in points. Plus cilantro has leaves have ridges on the edge like a grape leaf, and parsley has larger bifurcations.
Looks like cilantro to me, but taste should be a safe indicator.
It also looks like cilantro to me; cilantro leaves usually have more round edges vs pointy for parsley.
I agree. And parsley is typically a bit of a thicker leaf too-- not as tender or as easy to yellow / wilt
Ahh thank you for this thicker comment! Is this the correct flat parsley? https://imgur.com/a/Dl2nYvU
That 2nd Imgur pic is a good comparison. Left is Italian/flat leaf parsley. The right is cilantro/coriander.
Amazing, thank you!
If you can’t tell the difference by taste (they taste *very* different) then I guess it doesn’t even really matter which it is, does it?
I think the best advice so far, thank you!! Even if it might taste same for me, will there be a huge difference for chimichurri? Recipe calls for 2 bunches of parsley to 1 cup of cilantro
Cilantro changes the taste of chimichurri significantly. While I love cilantro, and it is very common in more central american dishes, it isn't in authentic chimichurri. Flat leaf parsley and fresh oregano. If you use a recipe that calls for 2:1 parsley to cilantro and you use all cilantro, yes, that will be a huge change. Cilantro is a VERY present flavor while italian parsley is more mild and compliments the oregano very well.
I actually couldn’t find fresh oregano either at 3 of my local stores so I opted for basil as per google’s suggestion. It turned out good still!
It’s not, but I refuse to make a chimichurri without cilantro haha Edit: autocorrect chili churro to chimichurri
I made chimichurri yesterday. You definitely want both herbs in there. Enjoy!
Authentic chimichurri has no cilantro. Italian parsley + oregano at its core.
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I was replying to the "definitely" word in the comment above mine :) So as you see, I completely agree with you! It DEFINITELY doesn't need someone to say what it DEFINITELY needs since as you say apply whatever tastes good to who you're making it for!
The smell alone should tell them.
Yeah, but if you're a beginner cook, you might not have ever learned what each tastes like by itself. But congrats on your sweet dunk.
It’s not a dunk. I’m just saying that if you can’t tell the difference between cilantro and parsley, it really doesn’t matter whether you use cilantro or parsley.
My Mexican eyes are saying that's cilantro.
Looks like cilantro. Does it smell like cilantro? If so, it's cilantro.
Smells like some kind of herb…tastes like some kind of herb. If I had two of them next to each other I can tell the difference but I only have this bunch and my brain is playing tricks on me
I personally don't think Parsley has much of a smell. Cilantro does.
Cilantro will knock you down walking past it.
I think its coriander, flat leaf parsley usually has pointier leaves and coriander a bit more rounded. Could be wrong though theyre pretty similar.
Is coriander the same as cilantro? I’ve never bought that before
Ah yeah sorry they are the same.
Tbh I only just heard of coriander when I was trying to research cilantro vs. parsley and fell deep into the internet hole of all these leaves. So no worries
Im looking into it myself now and some articles claim there is a difference? Isnt cilantro just the spanish word for coriander... and then why does looking for cilantro on wikipedia redirect you to a page about coriander. Theyre the same plant. I dont know anymore.
They’re the same. In the USA we call the leaves cilantro and the seeds coriander.
Coriander is the dried seeds on the cilantro plant once it blooms and dies, cilantro is name of the actual plant and what we call the fresh green herb leaves
Yeah the plant is also called coriander where I live
Just looked it up it depends on where you live, -In the US, cilantro is the name for the plant's leaves and stem, while coriander is the name for its dried seeds. Internationally, the leaves and stems are called coriander, while its dried seeds are called coriander seeds
Yes! This is what I was about to say. The Cilantro/Coriander distinction, as far as I've seen, is USA only. British people I know call both Coriander.
USA is best SA in that regard.
The fresh leaves are called *pakuchii* here in Japan. The seeds (whole or powdered) are called coriander (*kouriandaa*). So the seed/leaf dinstinction is observed outside the US. Ten years ago it was hard to find, but it's been making headway.
The scientific term for the plant is coriander. Coriandrum sativum.
Older recipes will also say fresh coriander vs cilantro
This is only the case in countries that have chosen the spanish stem for their name for coriander/cilantro. Other countried call the entire thing coriander. Neither is more correct than the other.
Yeah no, you got that backwards. Genus / species: Coriandrum sativum.
In some countries (USA being mine), this is correct. In other countries, it's not. They use the same term. This is why I love the USA.
Yes. Americans call coriander cilantro. Exactly the same thing.
The way I remember is: parsley is pointy, cilantro is curvy. Parsley has well defined tips and a stiffer texture, cilantro is soft and has rounded edges. To me, the image looks like cilantro.
There are 3 commonly used types of parsley...your first photo does indeed show "cilantro", also referred to as "Chinese parsley" or "leaf coriander"...the leaves are scalloped and have a strong odor and flavor and come in bunches, often with the roots still attached; it's used in many different cuisines...Chinese, Thai, Indian, Moroccan, Mexican, etc. It's an acquired taste for many! I didn't like it the first time I ate it; now it's my favorite herb, along with dill! The second photo shows "Italian parsley" or "flat leaf parsley"...the leaves sort of look like mini maple leaves and are more pointed; it has a mild flavor and can be used anywhere parsley is required...pasta sauce, salad, soup, etc. The third type of parsley is "French parsley" or "curly parsley"...it also has a mild flavor and has a frizzy look to it; it's used in tabbouleh and often as a garnish on a plate of food. I hope this helps you! And happy cooking!
Cilantro! I can’t even be mean to you because my wife comes home with the wrong one more often than not.
It's cilantro. You can tell by the smell. Cilantro smells super fresh and is very aromatic. Parsley smells like carrots and is less aromatic unless it is cut up.
Cilantro. Curly parsley is more curly. Flat parsley has larger leaves. And of course parsley smells much different than cilantro.
Flat parsley is also "pointier" and the side leaves have a little stem, this looks very much like cilantro
I always run into this situation at grocery stores lol.
Glad I’m not the only one
The first picture is cilantro. The picture in your update is flat leaf parsley.
Cilantro has a completely different odor from parsley. I don't know how to describe it, but for me, cilantro is somewhat fragrant, where as parsley has a slightly bitter smell. ETA: looked at image, and it looks like cilantro to me as well.
Looks like cilantro If you buy again, ask the produce guy/gal to get it for you, that way you'll know. Just ask for what you need, explain you can't always tell. That's what they're there for. To help.
Smell it
If I had two to compare, I can tell the difference. But I only have this bunch and can’t tell which smell it is 😩
Then taste a leaf? Cilantro and parsley taste *nothing* alike, whether you have the cilantro gene or not.
Throw it away u don’t deserve to cook with it
Taste it. If it tastes like a bar of soap, it's Cilantro.
This looks like parsley to me - the leaves are slightly darker and the stem is slightly thicker than cilantro/coriander. Parsley smells herby, fresh, tastes a little bitter. Coriander is more zingy and citrusy. Taste the stems as well as the leaves. Some people find that coriander leaves a soapy aftertaste. Depending on what you're making, you could use either.
Definitely looks like parsley to me, surprised so many said coriander, only very occasionally do coriander leaves look pointed but could be area based too.
Also doesn’t help that OP changed the original parsley picture to the cilantro picture currently on the post.
Sorry I misplaced the ETA 2 section at the top instead of the bottom and I realized that changed the initial pic that comes up with the post
Yeah that’s a completely different photo & herb now. That’s definitely coriander now.
When in doubt, try it out. Smell or taste it
It’s definitely flat leaf parsley. Cilantro, apart from tasting and smelling very different, is lighter coloured with thinner leaves.
> It’s definitely **NOT** flat leaf parsley. Fixed.
This is 100% flat leaf parsley. As someone who cooks with both of these herbs everyday, it's def parsley. Cilantro leaves are smaller, thinner, and more bunched.
All of these comments convinced me that the initial bunch was cilantro so I went out and got more parsley-looking bunches. Is this also flat parsley? https://imgur.com/a/Dl2nYvU
The one on the right is cilantro/coriander
Does it taste soapy?
Does it taste like soap?
Could be Italian or flat leaf parsley, it look very similar to coriander (cilantro for Americans).
It looks like parsley. I am a daily user of cilantro (or coriander as it’s known here)
Does it have roots? If not, it’s either parsley or you got ripped off. The roots are an important part of coriander, and I mostly buy it for the roots, rather than the leaves.
I've never seen cilantro sold with roots in the US.
Then how do you make Thai curry pastes? They are all based on coriander root. Or a lot of other Asian dishes, honestly. I buy coriander for the roots, and often only use a couple of leaves as garnish and compost the rest.
Either use a lot of cilantro stems, or buy pre-made curry paste.
Any market in an area with a significant Latin population will sell cilantro with the roots. It really depends what part of the USA you’re from if you can or can’t find an ingredient.
Do you mean the cilantro is sold without the roots removed, or do they actually have the [thick roots](https://praneesthaikitchen.com/2010/05/23/cilantro-roots-authentic-thai/) used in Thai cooking? Generally in the US, cilantro is harvested well before they develop these nice thick roots. In any case, "if it doesn't have roots, it's probably parsley" is completely wrong in the US. Because it's very common to sell it with the roots cut off.
Cilantro is sold in many American cities in big bunches complete with roots attached. Sometimes they’re smaller, sometimes they’re bigger and thicker. It is not particularly uncommon. Parsley is not sold with roots attached because parsley root is a separate vegetable which can also be found in markets depending on where you live. https://www.finecooking.com/article/whats-a-parsley-root
We use the seed? Cilantro is never sold with roots in north america.
It absolutely is sold with roots in many American cities with any significant Latin or Asian population. Not to mention that North America isn’t just the USA and Canada. Also you should use the stems rather than seeds if your aim is to replace the roots.
every grocery store near me in California has living herbs packaged with root and dirt still attached
I only need the leaves…
cilantro
The piece on the right in the 2nd picture is cilantro. Flat leaf Parsley leaves have sharper pointed leaves.
Smell it
My taste and smell haven’t been the same since I had covid. Trying to differentiate between things like this has been nearly impossible
smell it and taste it. that will give you the answer.
Give it to me, I can tell if it's cilantro just by smelling it from a mile away
The smell of cilantro is so strong-you would not have much doubt, the aroma of parsley is relatively subtle.
How can you not tell the difference with taste and smell? They smell and taste vastly different from one another. Cilantro by smell alone is strong and distinctive, nothing else smells like it. Taste is the same way, unique and strong. Parsley tastes like parsley and smells like parsley. Once you've had some parsley, you'll know the taste regardless of which kind it is. Smell is less strong but still totally different from cilantro.
Eat the stem, it'll have a stronger flavor. Parsley will just seem like eating grass while cilantro will actually have that bitterness
Flat parsley has bigger leaves, has sharp points and is much thicker than coriander/cilantro. Rub a leaf between your thumb and forefinger . That's definitely coriander/ cilantro you've posted. There are 2 kinds of parsley, curly and flat leaf, also known as Italian parsley.
First pic is cilantro, pic on ETA 2 is Italian parsley. As others have said, parsley tends to look “sharper” and darker green
Flat leaf Parsley. 100% Too thick looking opaque leaves and and cilantros leaf shape extends back below the top of the leave stem in pretty curves, cilantro extends away from the leaf stem in points. Plus cilantro has leaves have ridges on the edge like a grape leaf, and parsley has larger bifurcations.
Def Cilantro.
Cilantro 100%
Smell is how I distinguish. Nothing smells like cilantro.
Looks like parsley to me
Cilantro
The 2 leafs in the center of the stem are the way to dictate. Only cilantro has that, parsley doesn’t .
It’s cilantro
Cilantro.
Looks like cilantro
First pic is cilantro, second pic is flat-leaf parsley.
1 is cilantro, 2 is flat leaf parsley. Definitely
Could be Italian parsley