Botany and General Information on Cilantro

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) is one of the world's oldest medicinal and spice plants, with its name found in the Bible and in ruins dating back to 5000 BC. This plant is a member of the Apiaceae family and is cultivated or grows wild in Southeast Europe and West Asia.

• Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum L.
• Family: Apiaceae
• Genus: Coriandrum
• Common Names: Cilantro, Chinese Parsley, Dhania

Cilantro is an annual plant that grows up to 50 cm tall. All its parts are edible, but the fresh leaves and dried seeds are most commonly used in cooking. Its flowers form small, white or pale pink, asymmetrical umbels, and its seeds develop a fragrant aroma after drying.

What is Cilantro Honey and Why is it Rare?

Cilantro honey is a very rare type of honey produced by honeybees from the nectar of cilantro flowers. Due to the high dependence of nectar production on weather conditions, this plant produces enough nectar only once every 5 to 6 years. Even in favorable years, the production of cilantro honey is very low.

Compared to multi-flower honey, where a single hive can produce 20 to 25 kg, only about 2 kg of cilantro honey is harvested from each hive. This scarcity makes cilantro honey a unique and expensive product.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Cilantro Honey

Raw cilantro honey has a golden amber color and offers a unique, mild flavor. Its aroma stabilizes about two weeks after extraction and is much gentler than other honeys.

According to a 2013 study by a team of scientists led by Jeroković, unique chemical compounds have been identified in this honey that distinguish it from other types. These compounds include:

• cis/trans-anhydrolinalool oxides
• 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl alcohol

These compounds are known as chemical markers for cilantro honey and help confirm its authenticity and purity.

Health Benefits of Cilantro Honey

Cilantro honey is not just a natural sweetener; it also has powerful medicinal properties, most of which are related to its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Cilantro Honey vs. Regular Honey

Processing honey (such as pasteurization and filtration) can reduce antioxidant levels by up to 30% and weaken its antimicrobial activity.

Important Warnings and Contraindications

• Individuals with an allergy to cilantro or honey should avoid consuming cilantro honey.
• Never give raw honey to children under one year of age, as it can increase the risk of a rare but serious illness called **infant botulism**.
• Pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming cilantro or cilantro honey.
• Some vegans do not consider honey to be a vegan product, as its production involves interfering with bees' lives.

Where to Find Cilantro Honey?

Cilantro honey can be found in countries that produce cilantro, such as India, China, Iran, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Egypt. It is also produced locally in Southwestern Europe.

In Iran, the city of Nahavand in Hamadan province is one of the most important cilantro growing regions, and some Iranian cilantro honey is produced there.

Online, cilantro honey is available in specialty honey stores and some European websites (such as Amazon.co.uk). It is also available in limited quantities and high quality at HoneyHub.ir.

Cilantro's Name in Different Languages