Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum)

22-Bundled-plants-in-the-market_webCommon Names
Spiny coriander, false coriander, Mexican coriander, spiritweed (En); chardon étoile, panicaut fétide, coulante (Fr); culantro, chadron benee, alcapate (Sp); ngò gai (Vn); 刺芹, 刺芫荽(Cn)

Plant Distribution
Tropical Americas, Southeast Asia

Edible Parts
Aromatic leaves with strong coriander-like scent are used fresh or dried in soup, noodle dishes, and curries, or mixed with other vegetables to make spicy sauces and salsa.

Health Values
Beta-carotene: high; riboflavin: high; ascorbic acid: medium; calcium: low; iron: medium; protein: 3.3%. Leaves contain also phytosterols, and aliphatic aldehydes (essential oil).

Read more: Spiny coriander, in Discovering Indigenous Treasures: Promising Indigenous Vegetables from Around the World. 2009. AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center.