Cilantro
Unearthed
As pioneers of IQF herbs, SupHerb Farms is taking you on an in-depth exploration of cilantro—an herb celebrated around the globe for its bold flavor and versatility. From its origins and nutritional profile to agricultural insights, plant structure, and cultivation best practices, we break it all down. And we go beyond the field. Dive into consumer trends, menu data, and culinary applications to discover how cilantro is making its mark across the food industry. Whether you’re a food scientist, procurement lead, R&D chef, or food marketing professional in foodservice or manufacturing, Cilantro Unearthed equips you with the insights and inspiration to fully leverage this vibrant herb.
Get all this information in a handy PDF guide!
Cilantro Facts
The perception of soapy flavor in cilantro leaves is linked to variations in gene OR6A2.1
Cilantro is one of the oldest known herbs; its seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs.
Cilantro is also called "coriander" (U.K.), "Chinese parsley" and "Mexican parsley".
Scientific Name
Coriandrum sativum
FLAVOR
Fresh, tart citrusy taste with peppery,
pungent notes.
NATIVE ORIGIN
Southern Europe and Asia
DESCRIPTION
A fast-growing, cool season annual herb in the Apiaceae family (carrots, parsley).
NUTRIENTS
Raw cilantro leaves are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, with moderate amounts of manganese, potassium, and iron.12
1. Eriksson, N., Wu, S., Do, C.B. et al. A genetic variant near olfactory receptor genes influences cilantro preference. Flavour 1, 22 (2012).
2. USDA, FoodData Central, Coriander (Cilantro) Leaves, Raw, April 2018.
Cilantro in the Field
Herb Brief
IQF vs. Fresh Cilantro
IQF = Individually Quick Frozen
FLAVOR & COLOR
SHELF LIFE
Compared to fresh, IQF Cilantro has a significantly longer shelf life, reducing waste.
CONVENIENCE & EFFICIENCY
SupHerb Farms’ IQF Cilantro is free-flowing and comes fully prepped, saving time and labor. Fresh cilantro requires washing, trimming and chopping.
CONSISTENCY
IQF Cilantro provides consistent quality year-round, while fresh cilantro varies in availability and quality.
Supherb Farms Cilantro Cultivation
Soil
Cilantro prefers sandy-loam type soils but also grows well in sandy soils and thrives in various pH environments. The soil in our cilantro fields is carefully monitored to ensure cilantro seedlings take root quickly and thrive throughout the growing season.
Climate
Cilantro is mildly heat tolerant, not frost tolerant. Our California climate is excellent for growing cilantro.
Water
Herbs like cilantro thrive on an adequate amount of moisture. Cilantro is irrigated in a way that suits the field and area in which the crop is grown to ensure optimal water usage, with the majority of our water sourced from the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Cilantro Intel
U.S. Consumer Data On Cilantro
OPPORTUNITY 1
Cilantro is a widely recognized herb with favorable opinion among 55 percent of consumers. Despite being known for its polarizing taste, there is a noticeable growing appreciation for cilantro. This suggests an opportunity for enhanced cilantro presence on menus and in product descriptions, capitalizing on its rising popularity and acceptance.
OPPORTUNITY 2
The growing U.S. Hispanic population, especially in the West, and Gen Z’s preference for Mexican cuisine, explain the younger generational fondness for cilantro. This trend offers valuable guidance for tailoring menus and products with cilantro flavor to appeal to younger consumers.
Datassential 2024
Cilantro on the Menu
U.S. Restaurant Data On Cilantro
MENU TYPE
Ethnic
Non-Ethnic
MENU PENETRATION
2024
2028 (PROJECTED AVERAGE)
Menu Adoption Cycle
CONDIMENTS, DIPS, SAUCES & SALSAS THAT USE CILANTRO AS AN INGREDIENT
OPPORTUNITY
OPPORTUNITY
Cilantro is featured on 40 percent of U.S. menus, spanning a diverse range of ethnic and mainstream dishes, with notable expansion anticipated across high-growth foodservice segments such as quick-service, fast-casual and midscale eateries. Tapping into this ingredient by incorporating cilantro-infused sauces (like chimichurri), salsas and condiments represents a major opportunity for foodservice establishments.
Chimichurri Brisket Panini with Red Pepper and Queso Fresco
Datassential 2024
Cilantro in Application
Cuisines That Historically Utilize Cilantro
ASIAN
Cilantro stems are simmered in Asian soups—such as Thai Tom yum soup—and leaves are used as a flavorful garnish like as Vietnamese phở and Tibetan curries.
CARIBBEAN
Commonly used in Cuban cuisine and Jamaican curries and sauces, such as Jamaican green seasoning—also known as Caribbean green sauce—when culantro is not available.
MIDDLE EASTERN
Middle Eastern cooking uses both cilantro leaves and seeds in pickles, curries, sauces (like harissa) and chutneys.
LATIN AMERICAN
Cilantro is an essential flavor in Latin American cuisine and is often added to sauces (like chimichurri) and salsas like poblano salsa and mango salsa, meat dishes and as a classic garnish.
Innovative Dishes with Globally Inspired Cilantro Flavor
Harissa Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are tossed in Moroccan Harissa and honey then roasted until tender and crispy. A bold, globally inspired side with sweet & spicy flavor appeal!
Jamaican Jerk
Fish Tacos
Jamaican jerk seasoned white fish is grilled then added to corn tortillas and served with a cilantro-lime aioli made with lime juice, IQF Cilantro and mayo.
Chimichurri Crispy Potatoes
Twice fried potato slices are sautéed with caramelized onions, bacon and Chimichurri SRP then garnished with queso fresco crumbles.
Rooted in Care
SEEDLING TO SAUCE, TO YOU
Looking for flavorful culinary ingredients made using SupHerb Farms cilantro? Right this way… 
Spotlight Cilantro Ingredients*
Signature Cilantro Products
Farm fresh flavor made easy. Our flagship IQF Herbs and frozen Cilantro Paste streamline prep and add consistency.
Culinary Products Made with SupHerb Farms IQF Cilantro
Culinary Blends
Flavorful and fully-prepped. Culinary Blends are your secret weapon for speedy prep.
Culinary Pastes
Bold and globally inspired. With dozens of ethnic flavors to choose from, Culinary Pastes
are the perfect products to help you seamlessly leverage global flavor trends.
VERSATILE
LABOR-SAVING
CHEF-CRAFTED
ON-TREND FLAVORS
CONSISTENT QUALITY
Culinary Sauces
Convenient and ready to use. Culinary Sauces are available in 1-lb. pouches that easily fit in squeeze bottles!
