Can You Eat Bolted Cilantro? Is Bolted Cilantro Still Edible?
Yes, you can eat bolted cilantro! While the flavor changes and becomes more bitter, bolted cilantro is still safe to consume. The leaves, flowers, and seeds are all edible and can be used in various culinary applications.
What is Bolting and Why Does it Happen?
Bolting is a natural process in plants where they prematurely produce a flowering stem before harvest. It’s essentially the plant’s response to stress, often triggered by:
- High temperatures: Cilantro thrives in cooler weather. When temperatures consistently rise, it signals the plant to reproduce quickly.
- Long days: Increased daylight hours, especially during the summer months, can also trigger bolting.
- Water stress: Insufficient watering can stress the plant and prompt it to bolt.
- Poor soil conditions: Lack of essential nutrients can contribute to bolting.
Once cilantro bolts, the plant prioritizes seed production over leaf growth. This shifts the plant’s energy, causing the leaves to become less flavorful and somewhat bitter.
Taste Differences: Before and After Bolting
The most noticeable difference between regular cilantro and bolted cilantro is the taste.
| Feature | Regular Cilantro | Bolted Cilantro |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery | More bitter, potentially with a soapy undertone |
| Leaf Texture | Tender and delicate | Slightly tougher |
| Aroma | Strong, distinct cilantro aroma | Milder aroma |
While some find the bitterness unpleasant, others appreciate the unique flavor profile that bolted cilantro offers. Experimenting with different uses can help you find ways to enjoy it.
Using Bolted Cilantro: Leaves, Flowers, and Seeds
Despite the change in flavor, bolted cilantro is versatile and can be used in various ways:
- Leaves: Chop and add the leaves to salsas, salads, or guacamole, but use them sparingly due to the increased bitterness. Cooking can also help mellow the flavor.
- Flowers: Cilantro flowers have a milder cilantro flavor than the leaves and are a beautiful edible garnish for salads, soups, and other dishes. They attract beneficial insects to your garden too!
- Seeds (Coriander): Allow the seed pods to dry on the plant. Harvest them and use them whole or ground as coriander. Coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that complements many cuisines, especially Indian and Asian dishes. You can also use the seeds to grow new cilantro plants!
Tips for Delaying Bolting
While you can’t completely prevent bolting, you can take steps to delay it:
- Plant at the right time: Sow cilantro seeds in early spring or late summer when temperatures are cooler.
- Provide shade: Plant cilantro in a location that receives partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Succession planting: Plant new cilantro seeds every few weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh cilantro throughout the growing season.
- Pinch off flower buds: Regularly removing flower buds can encourage the plant to focus its energy on leaf production.
Common Mistakes When Dealing with Bolted Cilantro
- Discarding it entirely: Don’t throw away bolted cilantro! Explore the different ways you can use the leaves, flowers, and seeds.
- Using too much in dishes: The bitterness can overpower a dish if you use too much bolted cilantro. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Not harvesting the seeds: Coriander is a valuable spice that you can easily harvest from bolted cilantro plants.
- Ignoring the signs of bolting: Pay attention to your cilantro plants and take steps to delay bolting when you see the first signs of flower bud formation.
Recipes Using Bolted Cilantro
Embrace the unique flavor of bolted cilantro with these recipe ideas:
- Bolted Cilantro Pesto: Combine bolted cilantro leaves, garlic, nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a unique pesto. Adjust the amount of cilantro to control the bitterness.
- Cilantro Flower Salad: Toss cilantro flowers with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette, and other edible flowers for a beautiful and flavorful salad.
- Coriander-Spiced Chicken: Use freshly ground coriander seeds to season chicken before grilling or roasting.
- Bolted Cilantro and Lime Vinaigrette: Blend bolted cilantro leaves with lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and honey for a tangy and flavorful salad dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is bolted cilantro poisonous?
No, bolted cilantro is not poisonous. It’s perfectly safe to eat, even if the flavor is different from regular cilantro. The change in taste is due to chemical compounds that develop as the plant prepares to produce seeds.
Does cooking bolted cilantro reduce the bitterness?
Yes, cooking bolted cilantro can help to mellow the bitterness somewhat. The heat can break down some of the compounds responsible for the bitter taste. However, it’s best to add it towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its flavor.
Can I save bolted cilantro seeds for future planting?
Yes, you can save the seeds (coriander) from bolted cilantro plants for future planting. Allow the seed pods to dry completely on the plant. Once dry, harvest the pods, and store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
What part of bolted cilantro is the most bitter?
Typically, the leaves are the most bitter part of the bolted cilantro plant. The stems can also be slightly bitter. The flowers are usually milder in flavor.
Can I use bolted cilantro in the same way as regular cilantro?
Yes, you can use bolted cilantro in similar ways, but you may need to adjust the amount you use to account for the increased bitterness. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
Is there a difference between coriander and cilantro seeds?
Coriander and cilantro seeds are the same thing. “Cilantro” refers to the leaves of the plant, while “coriander” refers to the seeds. However, in some regions, both the leaves and seeds are referred to as cilantro.
How can I tell if my cilantro is about to bolt?
The first sign of bolting is usually the appearance of a central stalk emerging from the plant. You may also notice the leaves becoming smaller and less vibrant in color.
Does bolting affect the nutritional value of cilantro?
The nutritional value of bolted cilantro may be slightly altered, but it still contains vitamins and minerals. The change in flavor is more significant than any significant loss of nutrients.
What can I do with the roots of bolted cilantro?
While not commonly consumed, cilantro roots are edible and have a strong flavor. They can be used to flavor soups, stews, and broths. Be sure to wash them thoroughly before using.
Will cutting back bolted cilantro revive the plant and make it produce more leaves?
Cutting back bolted cilantro may encourage new leaf growth, but it’s unlikely to completely revive the plant. The plant has already invested a significant amount of energy in seed production.
Are there any varieties of cilantro that are less prone to bolting?
Yes, some varieties of cilantro are more bolt-resistant than others. ‘Slow Bolt’ is a popular variety that is known for its ability to withstand higher temperatures without bolting.
Can I freeze bolted cilantro for later use?
Yes, you can freeze bolted cilantro, but it may lose some of its texture and flavor. Chop the cilantro, blanch it briefly in boiling water, and then freeze it in ice cube trays or freezer bags. Frozen cilantro is best used in cooked dishes.