Coriander seed pod (Coriandrum sativum) Science Image

Ref: 80200348b



Coriander seed pod. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of dried coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed pods. The whole coriander plant is edible but the dried fruit is used as a culinary spice for curries, as a pickling spice and as an ingredient in some alcoholic beverages. The pods have a lemony citrus flavour when crushed, due to the presence of the terpenes linalool and pinene. It is also described as warm, nutty, spicy, and orange-flavoured. They are usually dried but can be eaten green. Coriander belongs to the apiaceae family of plants which includes carrots, celery, dill, cumin and many other important food crops. Magnification: x12 when printed 10 centimetres wide.