🌿 Culantro (Recao)

Caribbean cilantro cousin with bold flavor and nutrition—built for clarity (not hype).

Overview

Culantro (Eryngium foetidum), also called recao, sawtooth coriander, or long coriander, is a pungent herb with long, serrated leaves used extensively in Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Despite the similar name, culantro is NOT cilantro—it's a different plant with a much stronger, more intense flavor. Rich in vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron, culantro is both culinary herb and traditional medicine.

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Key nutrition highlights

  • Vitamin A: very high in beta-carotene supporting vision and immune health.
  • Vitamin C: excellent source (approximately 150-200mg per 100g fresh) supporting immunity.
  • Calcium: good plant-based calcium source (approximately 300mg per 100g).
  • Iron: notable iron content important for blood health.
  • Riboflavin (B2): higher B2 content than many leafy herbs.
  • Antioxidants: contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds with cellular protective effects.

Tip: Culantro's flavor is 3-4 times stronger than cilantro—use about 1/3 the amount when substituting. Flavor holds up better to cooking.

Common benefits people look for

  • Immune system support (high vitamins A and C)
  • Bone health (calcium content)
  • Blood health (iron content)
  • Digestive wellness (traditional use)
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Antioxidant protection

These are general wellness themes in nutrition research and traditional use—not disease treatment claims.

Common uses

  • Sofrito and recaito: essential base for Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Caribbean cooking.
  • Ceviche: finely chopped into Latin American fish and seafood ceviches.
  • Rice dishes: added to arroz con gandules, rice and peas, or other Caribbean rice preparations.
  • Soups and stews: added to sancocho, asopao, and other Caribbean soups.
  • Thai and Vietnamese cuisine: used in some Southeast Asian dishes (called pak chi farang or shadon beni).
  • Marinades and sauces: blended into adobo, green sauces, or chimichurri variations.

Prep tip: Remove tough center rib from older leaves. Chop finely or blend. Flavor is concentrated—a little goes a long way.

Typical origins & sourcing

Culantro is cultivated in the Caribbean, Central/South America, and Southeast Asia. Prioritize:

  • Caribbean markets: fresh culantro (recao) widely available at Puerto Rican, Dominican, Trinidadian grocers.
  • Latin American markets: sold as culantro or Mexican coriander in Hispanic grocers.
  • Asian markets: Southeast Asian markets may stock culantro (sawtooth coriander).
  • Frozen options: frozen chopped culantro/recao available in Caribbean freezer sections—convenient and retains flavor.
  • Home cultivation: grows well in warm, humid climates or as houseplant in bright indirect light.

Storage tip: Fresh culantro lasts 1-2 weeks refrigerated in sealed container or wrapped in damp towel. Freezes excellently—chop and freeze in ice cube trays with water.

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Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts (per 100g fresh) — click to expand/collapse
Per 100 g (fresh leaves)%DV*
Calories23 kcal1%
Total Fat0.5 g1%
Total Carbohydrate3.7 g1%
Dietary Fiber2.8 g10%
Protein2.3 g5%
Vitamin A5850 IU117%
Vitamin C150 mg250%
Calcium300 mg30%
Iron1.8 mg10%
Riboflavin (B2)0.3 mg23%

Note: Culantro's nutrient density is exceptional. Used in smaller quantities than cilantro due to intense flavor, but provides significant nutrition even in small amounts.

*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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