Plus, find out whether you can swap one for the other.
In This Article Differences
Uses
Substituting
Photo: Getty Images Have you ever bought a bunch of parsley, only to realize you accidentally grabbed cilantro—or vice versa? You’re not alone. It’s worth learning how to tell the difference between parsley vs. cilantro, as the herbs look strikingly similar but have significantly different flavors, which can affect your final dish. Learn how to tell these two tender bright green herbs apart, their different uses, and whether you can substitute one for the other. Celine Beitchman, chef and director of nutrition at the Institute of Culinary Education
Christiane Matey, MSHS, RDN, LDN, ABAAHP, chef, dietitian, and founder of Mint Nutrition
How to Cut Cilantro, Whether You Need a Little or a Lot The Differences Between Parsley and Cilantro
Parsley is a tender herb that’s part of the carrot family. It’s grown for its leaves and is thought to originate in the eastern Mediterranean. The most common varieties include flat leaf (Italian), curly, and root or Hamburg parsley, the latter of which resembles young parsnips.
Cilantro, which is often called coriander outside of North America, is native to southern Europe and Asia. It’s also part of the carrot family, so it’s related to parsley. However, unlike parsley, the cilantro plant is grown for both its leaves and seeds. In the U.S., the leaves and stalks, are used as an herb and known as cilantro or Chinese parsley; the seeds are known as coriander and used as a spice. Texture Parsely: "From stem to leaf, parsley is a thicker and sturdier herb than cilantro," says Celine Beitchman, chef and director of nutrition at the Institute of Culinary Education. Thus, it can better withstand heat during cooking, though it should generally still be added toward the end of the process to preserve its flavor. Cilantro: Compared to parsley, cilantro is more delicate. It doesn’t stand up well to heat, as the stems are leaves are soft and fragile. Appearance Parsely: The physical features depend on the variety, but generally, […]
Parsley vs. Cilantro: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each
