Cilantro vs. Parsley: What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between cilantro vs. parsley? Both of these bright green herbs are extremely common in cooking and they add flavor to a variety of dishes. When growing next to each other in the garden, these herbs often look extremely similar which is where confusion can often occur.
When cooking with parsley vs. cilantro the uses are very different so it is important to be able to tell them apart. Whether you are searching the fresh produce area at the grocery store or growing your own herbs it's good to know how to tell cilantro vs. parsley apart.
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- What Is Cilantro Used for in Cooking?
- What Is Parsley Used for in Cooking?
- What Are the Similarities Between Cilantro vs. Parsley?
- What Is the Difference Between Cilantro vs. Parsley?
- Can I Substitute Cilantro for Parsley?
What Is Cilantro Used for in Cooking?
Cilantro is one of the oldest known herbs that has been used to flavor dishes for centuries. Cilantro, also known as coriander, dates back all the way to Ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations. This herb was frequently used to make herbal teas, home remedies and flavor food.
The word cilantro comes from the Spanish version of the name for coriander which is why this spice is often called cilantro in the Southwestern United States, where there is a large South American and Mexican influence on the cuisine. The word coriander comes from the Greek language and is the word used to describe this spice in Europe.
Cilantro is a great way to season dishes and it keeps well in the fridge. Unfortunately, the huge bunches of cilantro that grocery stores usually sell can be hard to use up in a timely fashion before they start to spoil. This may leave you wondering can you freeze cilantro? The answer is a definite yes. Freezing cilantro will leave you with a fresh herb ready to add to any dish.
When studying the differences between cilantro vs. parsley it is important to note the flavor differences. Cilantro has a more pungent flavor that some describe as fresh, citrusy and slightly peppery. This green herb can be a polarizing subject for some due to the aldehydes which makes people with certain genetic makeups perceive the taste of cilantro as soapy or metallic.
But for those without that pesky gene, cilantro is a loved herb and a staple ingredient in fresh salsa, guacamole and delicious cilantro chimichurri. It's also a popular ingredient in Mexican food.
What Is Parsley Used for in Cooking?
Common parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, is a classic ingredient used in many dishes in a variety of global cuisines. Parsley has a long storied past in the culinary scene and originated in the Mediterranean hence its popularity in Italian fare.
The origins of cilantro vs. parsley are different with parsley originating in the Mediterranean and cilantro originating in the Middle East. When comparing the flavor of cilantro vs. parsley there are stark differences. Parsley has a more robust, vegetal taste with bitter grassy and earthy notes, and a slight hint of pepper.
This flavor profile makes parsley very popular in Italian food such as linguine with clam sauce and other rich heavy Italian pastas. The light grassy flavor of parsley lightens up rich Italian dishes and makes them more balanced.
What Is Italian Parsley?
When discovering the differences between cilantro vs. parsley we must examine all different types of parsley. As its name suggests, Italian parsley is from the country of Italy. This herb originated in Sardinia off the coast of Southern Italy and France and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. It was initially used for medicinal purposes before making its way into traditional Italian cuisine.
Italian parsley differs from curly parsley, which has darker, shinier leaves that are thicker than those of Italian parsley. The flavor profile of Italian parsley is more robust providing a great base for a multitude of dishes. Italian parsley is often used to add a bright pop of color to dishes.
What Is Chinese Parsley?
Another herb to mention in the cilantro vs. parsley comparison is Chinese parsley. The name is somewhat misleading, as Chinese parsley is simply cilantro by another name. This old-fashioned name is not common in the U.S. but may be common in other countries across the globe.
The name Chinese parsley originated from the herb's prolific use in traditional Chinese cuisine as well as Thai cuisine and other popular Asian fare. This name isn’t commonly used anymore and is instead called cilantro or coriander in most regions. If your recipe ever calls for Chinese parsley it is perfectly okay to swap it with cilantro, and vice versa. Why not give it a go and whip some cilantro lime cauliflower rice?
What Are the Similarities Between Cilantro vs. Parsley?
Are cilantro and parsley the same thing? They aren't, but they do share many qualities. There are many similarities between Cilantro vs. parsley. These two herbs are from the same family known as the Apiaceae family of plants. These plants have small delicate leaves and stems making them great for indoor herb gardens as they don’t need a lot of space to grow.
When discussing cilantro vs. parsley in terms of nutrition, they both have a host of beneficial nutrients. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B and Vitamin K are all present in both cilantro and parsley. Neither contains many calories and both are considered great additions to a healthy diet.
What Is the Difference Between Cilantro vs. Parsley?
While they may look similar in appearance, there are many differences in the taste of cilantro vs. parsley. In fact, the differences between cilantro vs. parsley include differing tastes, scents and uses in the kitchen. These two herbs are often used in different kinds of cuisines and they both bring different qualities to a dish.
Cilantro vs. Parsley differences
Taste
The biggest difference between cilantro vs. parsley is the taste. Cilantro has a smokey flavor with hints of lemon, black pepper and citrus. Parsley on the other hand has a more grass-like taste that is milder. Like many other Italian spices, it pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Scent
In terms of the scent of cilantro vs. parsley, cilantro has a stronger, spicier smell than parsley. This makes scent a great way to distinguish between the two herbs, especially if you’re unsure which is which in the grocery store.
Uses
The differences of cilantro vs. parsley are also quite different. Parsley, common in Italian cuisine, is used fresh as a garnish or dried as a seasoning with a stronger flavor. Cilantro, with its distinct taste, is popular in South American and Indian dishes like butter chicken and birria tacos.
Heat Tolerance
Another note of difference when discussing cilantro vs. parsley is their ability to stand up to heat. Cilantro is more delicate than parsley, wilting and browning quickly in hot dishes. That's why it's commonly used in cold dishes like salsa and guacamole. Parsley, however, withstands heat well and is often added to hot dishes like pasta and pizza.
Cilantro vs. Chinese Parsley
What are the differences between cilantro and Chinese parsley? There is no functional difference between cilantro and Chinese parsley. Chinese parsley is simply a different name for cilantro that is not common in America. If you search your local grocery store for Chinese parsley, you will be sorely disappointed because it does not exist under that name. In almost all grocery stores in the States, you'll find it under the name "cilantro."
Italian Parsley vs. Cilantro
Italian parsley has many differences from cilantro including the flavor, scent and appearance. Italian parsley has wide flat leaves while cilantro leaves are more jagged and slightly smaller. Cilantro also has a stronger scent and more musky flavor whereas Italian parsley has a mild scent that makes it great for a wide variety of dishes.
While we've touched on the differences between cilantro vs. parsley, aspiring home chefs can learn much more. Explore cooking classes near you to dive deeper into herb usage with expert chefs. You'll master skills like chiffonading herbs, searing meats and more. Whether it's garnishing homemade pasta with Italian parsley or perfecting guacamole, online cooking classes bring these lessons to your kitchen.
Can I Substitute Cilantro for Parsley?
Can you substitute cilantro for parsley? When considering cilantro vs. parsley, while they may look similar, the taste is very different. It is not recommended to substitute cilantro for parsley because it will give the dish a stronger flavor. Some recipes use both cilantro and parsley like the Middle Eastern condiment known as Schug.
In this instance, it would be perfectly fine to substitute cilantro for parsley but for other dishes, such as Italian pasta recipes that call for parsley, it would cilantro would not be a good substitute. If you are just using the parsley for a garnish, then swapping in cilantro creates the same desired effect.
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This article about cilantro vs. parsley is an interesting deep dive into the world of fresh herbs. From the antiquated Chinese parsley, AKA cilantro, to the extremely popular Italian parsley, there are so many variations to learn about. In short, cilantro and parsley are both delicious herbs that are highly accessible and easily used by professional chefs and beginner home cooks alike.
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