Cilantro in Tenerife: Flavor, Health and Local Sources from the Canary Islands
At Sanus Market , your organic store in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we are committed to locally sourced products and local farmers who cultivate their crops with care and responsibility. One of those treasures that is a must-have in our organic fruit and vegetable baskets is cilantro, also known as coriander (a name that also refers to its seeds). This aromatic plant, native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, has become essential in Canarian cuisine and many other cultures. Its flavor is unmistakable, fresh, and with a citrusy touch that can be both beloved and divisive, but undoubtedly adds character and nutritional benefits to any dish.
Cilantro belongs to the Apiaceae family, the same as parsley and celery. Although it can be visually confused with parsley, its aroma and texture clearly distinguish it. While parsley has a more neutral profile, cilantro stands out for its sharp and characteristic freshness. In the Canary Islands, especially in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, it is commonly found in sauces like mojo verde, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), and traditional marinades. Its intense green color, flat leaves, and slender stems make cilantro not only a flavorful herb but also a decorative one in the kitchen.
Properties of organic cilantro: health and wellness benefits
Consuming organic cilantro from Tenerife is not only a culinary delight 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. Furthermore, its essential oil contains linalool, a substance with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Traditionally, cilantro has been used to aid digestion, eliminate heavy metals from the body, reduce anxiety, and even freshen breath. It is also known to help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The leaves have a delicate texture, and their flavor, somewhere between lemon and pepper, adds vibrancy to salads, guacamole, curries, soups, or even green smoothies. It brings an exotic touch to traditional dishes without losing the essence of what is natural and local.
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Grown in the northern part of Tenerife—in areas like Tegueste, Los Realejos, and La Laguna—organic Canarian cilantro benefits from the mild climate, volcanic soils, and the meticulous care of dedicated 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 favor optimal growth. At Sanus Market, we offer it fresh in bunches, recently harvested from nearby farms and ready to take to your kitchen.
Among the most common types of cilantro are European coriander (Coriandrum sativum), with its soft leaves and slender stems, and Vietnamese coriander, which is longer and has a spicier flavor. In the Canary Islands, we mainly use the European variety, ideal for mojos, marinades, and broths. A classic and healthy recipe we encourage you to try is organic cilantro mojo: you only need fresh cilantro, garlic, organic olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and cumin. Blend everything together until you achieve a vibrant and fragrant sauce, perfect for steamed vegetables, potatoes, or whole-wheat bread.
Fun fact: While many people associate cilantro with freshness, some people have a genetic predisposition to perceive it as soapy. Don't worry if this happens to you—it's perfectly normal! Even so, we encourage you to try our local organic cilantro: milder, fresher, and pesticide-free, its flavor might just win you back your love for this wonderful herb.
Looking for quality organic cilantro in Tenerife? Visit our online store or come to our collection point in Santa Cruz. At Sanus Market, we support fair trade, locally sourced products, and a healthy lifestyle, from the field to your table.
