Cilantro in Tenerife: Flavor, Health, and Proximity from the Canary Islands
En Sanus Market, your organic store in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we focus on locally sourced produce from local farmers who grow with care and responsibility. One of the treasures that can't be missing from our organic fruit and vegetable baskets is cilantro, also known as coriander, Chinese parsley, or cilantro (the name that also refers to its seeds). This aromatic plant, native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, has become a staple in Canarian cuisine as well as in many other cultures. Its flavor is unmistakable, fresh, and with a citrus touch that either captivates or divides opinions, but it undoubtedly adds personality and benefits to any dish.
El cilantro It belongs to the Apiaceae family, the same family as parsley and celery. Although visually it can be confused with parsley, its aroma and texture clearly differentiate it. While parsley has a more neutral profile, cilantro stands out for its characteristic, pungent freshness. In the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria, it is commonly found in sauces such as mojo verde (green mojo), papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), or traditional marinades. Its intense green color, flat leaves, and thin stems make cilantro an herb that is not only tasty but also decorative in the kitchen.
Properties of organic cilantro: benefits for health and well-being
Eating organic cilantro from Tenerife is not only a culinary pleasure, but also a healthy choice. At Sanus Market, we only work with fresh, local, and chemical-free produce, which enhances all of cilantro's natural properties. This herb is rich in Vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, and antioxidants. Its essential oil also contains linalool, a substance with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cilantro has traditionally been used to aid digestion, eliminate heavy metals from the body, reduce anxiety, and even freshen breath. It's also known for helping control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The leaves have a delicate texture, and their lemon-peppery flavor adds vitality to salads, guacamole, curries, soups, and even green smoothies. It adds an exotic touch to traditional dishes without losing their natural, local essence.
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Grown in the northern area of Tenerife —such as in Tegueste, Los Realejos or La Laguna—, organic Canarian cilantro benefits from the mild climate, volcanic soils, and the manual care of committed farmers. At Sanus Market, we are committed to this type of responsible production, ideal for those seeking a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Cilantro season in the Canary Islands and how to use it in local cuisine
One of the advantages of Tenerife's climate is that it allows for the cultivation of organic cilantro practically year-round, with particular intensity between October and May, when mild temperatures and humidity promote optimal growth. Sanus Market We offer it fresh in bunches, freshly harvested from nearby gardens and ready to take to your kitchen.
Among the most common types of cilantro are European coriander (Coriandrum sativum), with soft leaves and thin stems, and Vietnamese coriander, which is longer and has a spicy flavor. In the Canary Islands, we primarily use the European variety, which is ideal for mojos, marinades, and broths. A classic and healthy recipe we encourage you to try is organic cilantro mojo: all you need is fresh cilantro, garlic, organic oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and cumin. Blend everything together to create a vibrant and fragrant sauce, perfect for steamed vegetables, potatoes, or whole-wheat bread.
Fun fact: Although many people associate the taste of cilantro with freshness, there's a genetic component that makes some perceive it as "soapy." Don't worry if this happens to you; it's normal! Still, we encourage you to try our local organic cilantro: milder, fresher, and pesticide-free, its flavor may reconcile you with this wonderful plant.
Looking for quality organic cilantro in Tenerife? Visit our online store or visit our collection point in Santa Cruz. At Sanus Market, we support fair trade, local produce, and a healthy lifestyle, from the land to your table.
