Is celery seed the same as coriander?

In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Is celery seed the same as coriander?” We will also discuss the differences between celery seeds and coriander seeds and the spices that can replace celery seeds.

Is celery seed the same as coriander?

No, celery seed is not the same as coriander. Celery and coriander belong to the same family but they have different flavors and aromas. 

They also have completely different uses while cooking. Coriander is a more versatile spice than celery as it goes well with almost anything. But, I can’t say the same for celery seeds.

How does celery differ from coriander?

Appearance

Both celery and coriander are widely used aromatic herbs with different culinary as well as health benefits. Although at first glance celery leaves and coriander leaves look much alike, you can easily spot the differences when you take a closer look. You can easily differentiate slightly oval-shaped celery seeds from the ground coriander seeds.

The celery seeds come from the wild celery variety which is different from the other varieties that are cultivated for stalks and leaves. 

The wild variety is specifically cultivated for the celery seeds. They are tiny, light brown seeds that are actually the whole dried fruits from the wild celery. 

Coriander seeds are the dried seeds from the coriander plant.  The coriander plant blossoms and produces small white flowers and clusters of tiny seeds. The seeds are harvested and used for spice. The celery seeds are smaller than the whole coriander seeds.

Flavor and aroma

The flavor and aroma of celery seeds are similar to the celery leaves. They have an earthy and slightly bitter flavor. 

Its bitter tones are enhanced in ground form but whole celery seeds are much more flavored than their ground counterpart. Overall it has powerful flavors and is extremely aromatic.

On the other hand, coriander seeds have a very nutty and lemony flavor with a floral aroma. It adds a bit of that tangy flavor to your recipes. Its mild flavors add a unique taste to your recipes without overpowering the other spices. 

While fresh coriander leaves have a flavor that is both complex and delicate, with hints of pepper, mint, and lemon, coriander seeds are sweet and aromatic, with a hint of citrus.

Culinary uses

Celery seeds are normally used in spice blends, marinades, dressings, salads, and dry rubs. They are a key ingredient while preparing barbeque sauce and tomato ketchup. 

They go very well with recipes that require a lot of tomatoes. Likewise, they can also be used in ground form. The ground form of celery seeds usually goes with liquids like smoothies and dips.

Coriander seeds just like many other spices are used at the beginning of cooking by tempering in hot oil or with marinades to let the flavors absorb. 

They can also be used in their powdered form at any time during the cooking process. Their mild flavors and ability to go well in every recipe have made coriander powder a staple spice in almost every household.

Health benefits

Celery seeds actually have a very impressive nutrient profile. They are rich in important minerals like calcium, manganese, and iron. Being a rich source of calcium, they play an important role in keeping your bones strong and healthy. 

The iron sources help in the formation of red blood cells and prevent anemia. Celery also has some antioxidant properties which protect the cells from free radicals.

There are multiple health, skin, and ayurvedic benefits of coriander seeds. It is not just rich in dietary fiber, manganese, iron, and magnesium but is also a great source of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and protein. It improves digestion, fights infections, reduces inflammation, reduces blood sugar levels, and does wonders for your skin as well.

What can replace celery seed?

If you don’t have celery in your spice collection, you can also use celery stalks or leaves while cooking since their flavors are pretty much the same. Apart from this, you can also use dried celery and celery salt. 

A few other spices like dill, fennel, star anise, ginger, and parsley can also be used as a substitute for celery seeds. For more details, please click the link here.

Other FAQs about Celery that you may be interested in.

Can you eat celery on keto?

Can you substitute celery seed for celery?

Is celery a good substitute for cilantro?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “Is celery seed the same as coriander?” We have also discussed the differences between celery seeds and coriander seeds and the spices that can replace celery seeds.

Citations

https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-celery-seed-4691733

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