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Chopped Culantro
Herbs
Nutri-ScoreA

Chopped Culantro

Eryngium foetidum

Clinical Encyclopedia

Chopped culantro is a fragrant herb commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, known for its strong flavor and aroma. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to various dishes.

Also known as:
Recao (Puerto Rico)Culantro (Mexico)
Scientific NameEryngium foetidum
Region of OriginCentral America

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories23 kcal
Water
92%
Fiber3g
Total6.5g
Protein
2g(31%)
Fats
0.5g(8%)
Carbohydrates
4g(62%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin A337 IU (7%)
Vitamin C30 mg (33%)
Vitamin K164 mcg (137%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (6%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)0.5 mg (3%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.2 mg (4%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (5%)
Folate62 mcg (16%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin B12: 0 mcgCholine: 6 mg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium81 mg (6%)
Iron1.5 mg (8%)
Magnesium36 mg (9%)
Phosphorus24 mg (3%)
Potassium330 mg (7%)
Zinc0.4 mg (4%)
Copper0.1 mg (5%)
Manganese0.2 mg (10%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Selenium: 0 mcg

Health Benefits

Culantro is known for its high antioxidant content, which helps combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
It has antimicrobial properties that can help in fighting infections and promoting overall health.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Chopped culantro can be used fresh in salads, salsas, or as a garnish. It can also be added to soups and stews for enhanced flavor.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose fresh, vibrant green leaves without wilting or browning.

How to Store

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntimicrobialAntioxidantAnti-inflammatory
Main Applications
Culinary uses in various cuisines
Traditional medicine for digestive health
Bioactive Compounds
Quercetin

A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Carotenoids

Compounds that promote eye health and may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

How to Consume
Fresh, Chopped, Infused in oils
Did you know?

"Culantro is often confused with cilantro, but it has a stronger flavor and is used differently in cooking."

Myths vs Realities

MythCulantro and cilantro are the same.
RealityCulantro has a stronger flavor and is a different plant than cilantro.
MythChopped culantro is not nutritious.
RealityIt is rich in vitamins and has several health benefits.
MythYou can use dried culantro as a substitute for fresh.
RealityDried culantro loses much of its flavor and is not a good substitute for fresh.

Healthy Recipes

Culantro-Lime Quinoa Salad

A refreshing quinoa salad featuring chopped culantro, lime juice, and colorful vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped culantro, diced bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. 2. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
  3. 3. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.

Culantro and Avocado Salsa

A zesty salsa made with fresh avocados and chopped culantro, perfect for topping grilled fish or enjoying with tortilla chips.

Ingredients
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine diced avocados, chopped culantro, red onion, and jalapeño.
  2. 2. Add lime juice and salt, mixing gently to avoid mashing the avocados.
  3. 3. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.

Culantro Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring chicken breast, vibrant vegetables, and the aromatic flavor of chopped culantro.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 2. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned, then add broccoli and bell pepper.
  3. 3. Stir in soy sauce and chopped culantro, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving.

Culantro and Coconut Soup

A creamy and aromatic coconut soup infused with chopped culantro, perfect for a warm and comforting meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, combine coconut milk and vegetable broth, bringing to a simmer.
  2. 2. Add sliced mushrooms, minced ginger, and salt, cooking for 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in chopped culantro just before serving for a fresh flavor.

Culantro Infused Grilled Shrimp

Succulent grilled shrimp marinated in a culantro and garlic mixture, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix chopped culantro, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Add shrimp to the marinade, covering well and letting it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. 3. Grill shrimp on skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Culantro and Tomato Omelette

A protein-packed omelette featuring fresh tomatoes and chopped culantro, perfect for a nutritious breakfast.

Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped culantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Whisk eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then pour in the eggs.
  3. 3. Once the edges start to set, add chopped tomatoes and culantro, folding the omelette in half and cooking until fully set.

Culantro and Black Bean Tacos

Flavorful tacos filled with black beans, chopped culantro, and fresh toppings, making for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mash black beans slightly and mix in chopped culantro and diced onions.
  2. 2. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet, then fill with the black bean mixture and top with avocado slices.
  3. 3. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Culantro and Sweet Potato Mash

A nutritious twist on mashed potatoes, using sweet potatoes and chopped culantro for added flavor and health benefits.

Ingredients
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and return to the pot.
  2. 2. Mash sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. 3. Stir in chopped culantro and serve warm.

Culantro and Cucumber Salad

A light and crunchy salad featuring cucumbers and chopped culantro, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped culantro
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, chopped culantro, and red onion.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
  3. 3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently before serving.

Culantro Pesto Pasta

A vibrant and healthy pasta dish featuring a homemade culantro pesto, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 8 oz whole grain pasta
  • 1 cup chopped culantro
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. 2. In a food processor, blend chopped culantro, walnuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and salt until smooth.
  3. 3. Toss the cooked pasta with the culantro pesto and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is chopped culantro?

Chopped culantro is a herb known for its strong flavor, commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American dishes.

How do you use chopped culantro?

It can be used fresh in salads, salsas, or as a garnish, and added to soups and stews.

Is chopped culantro healthy?

Yes, it is rich in vitamins A and C, and has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Can you substitute cilantro for chopped culantro?

While they are related, chopped culantro has a stronger flavor, so use less if substituting.

Where can I buy chopped culantro?

It can be found in Latin American grocery stores or fresh markets.

How should chopped culantro be stored?

Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

Can chopped culantro be dried?

Yes, but it is best used fresh for optimal flavor.

What dishes can I use chopped culantro in?

It is great in soups, stews, marinades, and as a garnish for various dishes.