The seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant, a member of the parsley family. It is globular, brown to yellow red, with alternating straight and wavy ridges. It has a mild but distinctive flavour similar to a blend of lemon and sage. Coriander seeds, whole, crushed or powdered are used widely in Indian cooking, and are one of the main ingredients in the many Indian hot spice mixtures or garam masala.
