Coriander is an important spice crop having a prime position in flavouring food. The plant is a thin stemmed, small, bushy herb, 25 to 50 cm in height with many branches and umbels. Leaves are alternate, compound. The whole plant has a pleasant aroma. Inflorescence is a compound umbel comprises 5 smaller umbels.
Coriander is a source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Coriander essential oil might have antibacterial effects. Coriander also contains chemicals that might lower blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate and work like a "water pill" (diuretic).
In India, the word for coriander, "dhaniya", is regularly married off to various other ingredients in the same breath – for instance, dhaniya-jeera (a foundational ground coriander and cumin blend), dhaniya-pudina (mint and coriander) and dhaniya-mirchi (a popular chutney combination).