Coriander’s story begins in the Mediterranean thousands of years ago. Seeds were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, placed among treasures for the afterlife — proof of its value even in ancient Egypt. The Greeks and Romans used it to flavour wine and preserve food, spreading the spice across Europe as their empires expanded.
As trade routes opened, coriander travelled east along the Silk Road into Persia, India, and China. Each culture made it their own — the seeds for spice, the leaves for freshness, and the roots for depth. In India it became a foundation of curry and chutney, while in Asia it brought balance to soups and broths.
Today, coriander connects kitchens from every continent. Its warm, citrusy seed and bright green leaf remind us that flavour has no borders — only stories that began thousands of years ago, still seasoning our tables today.
Enjoy the heritage of spices flavour this week, Steve and the Spice Team