Cilantro 101

Do you like cilantro? It gives a fresh burst of flavor for many dishes … from Mexican guacamole to Indian curries!

Some people can’t eat it because it “tastes like soap.” If that’s you, read on!,  but it’s a favorite for us. We enjoy today’s recipes (Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas and a delicious black bean soup)  so much that the last time we had the enchiladas Bob said, “Are there health benefits to cilantro?” Wow, are there ever!  It’s actually a healing herb to add to your daily diet.

Why can’t some people eat it? Some people possess a gene that makes them super-sensitive to the aldehyde component found in cilantro and other foods and products. One study noted a very specific genetic link near the olfactory center of DNA in about 10% of those with cilantro aversion.

The first google search for cilantro health benefits  picked up our friend Dr. Josh Axe’s website.

For the whole article from Dr. Josh Axe CLICK HERE:  Below is a terrific summary.  Regular consumption of cilantro

1.  Rids the Body of Heavy Metals
2.  Protects Against Oxidative Stress
3.  Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
4.  Supports Heart Health
5.  Prevents Urinary Tract Infection
6.  Settles Digestive Upset
7.  Protects Against Food Poisoning
8.  Supports Healthy Menstrual Function
9.  Prevents Neurological Inflammation
10. Soothes Skin Iritation.

How to Keep Cilantro Fresh In The Refrigerator

When I told our daughter Emily about the Cilantro health benefits, she said: “The only problem with it is that it goes bad so fast in the fridge.”

Our research and the article we found has the answer.  This trick WORKS so cilantro can last up to 10 days!

Here’s how:  Buy the bunch at the store and rinse it off in the sink when you get home. Shake off excess water. Then put it upright in a container that has 2-3 inches of water.   Put a plastic bag over the top. Then keep it in the fridge.  I did it immediately and found the perfect spot is in a side shelf of the fridge door.

After reading the benefits, I’ve started munching on a bit of it every morning along with the handful of spinach I eat on the way to the gym.  It’s rather a tasty little mini-salad that starts the day right!  Here are the recipes and the article.

Once again The info on CILANTRO … for the whole article from Dr. Josh Axe
CLICK HERE: