Do you discard coriander flowers? Stop now!

Next time you see a bunch of coriander with flowers on it, buy it.

Have you always avoided picking that bunch of coriander that has tiny flowers on it because you think they have to be discarded anyway? Well, like many other people, you are making a mistake. Coriander leaves are usually a garnish item and very rarely do people concentrate on its health benefits. Coriander leaves have a host of beauty benefits too. But it s not just the leaves, even coriander seeds have several health benefits. So what about the flowers? Can you consume those tiny whitish flowers? Are they healthy enough? Niyati Likhite , Dietician at Fortis hospital, Kalyan tells us why throwing off the flowers isn t a good idea:

Coriander flowers are edible. They have a strong herbal flavor. Coriander flowers can be used along with leaves in most recipes. They have a cooling effect on spicy dishes. These flowers, later on, produce coriander seeds that are again rich in nutrients and keep you healthy. Coriander seeds are used as a spice in a variety of food preparations.

Coriander flowers are rich in micronutrients and antioxidants. Just like the leaves, they contain dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. They are also rich in vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting and protects your heart too. They aid digestion and prevent inflammation too. Coriander leaves when consumed along with the flowers also keep your blood sugar level in check and hence in beneficial for diabetics. Here s how to store coriander leaves and flowers correctly.

For enhancing flavor, add chopped coriander along with flowers at the end of cooking. They make an appealing garnish and add colour to your dish. Did you know about these edible flowers you can use in your daily cooking?

Image source: Shutterstock

---