Learn everything about growing Micro Cilantro, its taste and uses in cooking with this informative and helpful guide.
Due to its smaller size, people tend to overlook micro cilantro’s nutritional properties and culinary benefits. However, this tiny powerhouse stores some very strong flavors that can completely change the taste of a dish and pack it with essential nutrients. It is easy to use regardless of your experience level in the kitchen, so what are you waiting for? Use this to completely transform your culinary creations!
What is Micro Cilantro
Micro cilantro is the young, tender version of the well-known herb cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Its harvesting time is much earlier than that of the mature version, as it is clipped away just after the first true leaves (cotyledons) have developed.
Due to its compact physical form, micro cilantro has a noticeably higher concentration of flavor in comparison to other cilantro varieties.
Not only is micro cilantro good for intensifying the taste of a cuisine, but it also adds more nutritional value to it. Micro cilantro is packed with nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and various antioxidants, which are helpful in improving bone health, blood clotting, and immunity functions. The health benefits are similar to those of mature cilantro but are offered in a more concentrated form.
Now that you know its appearance and nutrient factors, let’s learn a bit about its growth requirements, taste, and major culinary applications.
Propagating Micro Cilantro
Microcilantro is quite easy to propagate, and there are multiple methods. The three most common ones are direct Seeding, transplanting, and hydroponic cultivation. Here, we will discuss the easiest method, direct seeding, to grow this mini marvel for your comfort and convenience.
Direct Seeding
Direct seeding is a simple yet effective method of propagating micro cilantro. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a thriving plant in no time!
Choosing a container with drainage holes or a garden bed filled with good-quality soil is a must. Pay extra attention to the soil texture and ensure that it is loose and free of debris.
Next, sprinkle micro cilantro seeds evenly over the soil surface at equal intervals of 1 inch to allow room for growth. These seeds are readily available at most nurseries or online gardening e-platforms. Don’t forget to pat down the seeds into the soil using a flat tool or your hand to aid in germination.
These seeds need to be closer to the surface of the soil so they can sprout easily. Lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil, no more than 1/8 inch thick.
Water micro cilantro often as it grows well in moist soil but make sure to not overdo it as that will drown the seeds and emerging seedlings. Place the container or bed in a sunny location with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. If growing indoors, provide a source of bright, indirect light. (More about its requirements will be discussed in the next section).
The seeds usually begin germinating in 7-14 days.
Once the seedlings have grown to about 1-2 inches tall, thin them out, leaving the strongest plants spaced about 2 inches apart, this will ensure that the healthiest ones out of the batch get the necessary care to produce the best harvests. Continue to provide the right care, and due to the herb’s rapid growth pace, it shall be ready for harvest in just 14-21 days from the seeding stage.
Lastly, use scissors or shears to snip the micro cilantro leaves just above the soil line when the plant reaches around 1-2 inches tall. The leaves are now ready for culinary use! A detailed section on harvesting micro cilantro is later on in this article
Requirements for Growing Micro Cilantro
Location
Micro cilantro does well under bright indirect sunlight for at least 4-6 hours daily. To do this, place it in front of a sunny windowsill, most preferably a south—or east-facing one. Remember to rotate the pot/tray every other day to allow even light distribution among the plants.
Soil
Micro Cilantro thrives in well-draining, loamy soil. You can create the perfect potting mix yourself by using a 4:3:2:1 ratio of coconut coir/peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and compost, respectively. This will ensure that drainage, air circulation, and nutritional levels are optimal for growing a healthy plant.
Water
Unlike mature plants, microgreens have a shallow root system and are grown in not too deep trays. This physical trait makes them more susceptible to overwatering and underwatering. Therefore, the right watering technique and amount are crucial to increasing a plant’s survival rate.
Use a fine mist spray bottle to moisten the growing medium whenever the top layer feels a little dry to the touch. You can do so every 1 or 2 days.
Note: watering will not be the same all year round, in the dormant period, less water will be required by the plant, and in the early stages of the plant or in the active growing season, you must increase the watering frequency.
Temperature and Humidity
Micro Cilantro needs a temperature range of 60-90°F (15-32°C) for optimal growth. Try maintaining moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. If you live in arid regions, you may also have to use a humidifier or pebble tray for this purpose.
Micro Cilantro Care
Fertilizer
Generally, microgreens such as micro cilantro get enough nutrients from the seed and soil during the first week of growth. There is not much need for external fertilization, but if you wish to do so, go for a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 of its strength.
Since the plant is ready to harvest within a month, a single application is often sufficient for the short growth cycle. Excessive fertilization can dilute the flavor, defeating the purpose of growing the herb.
Pests and Diseases
Micro Cilantro is generally hardy to pests. But in some instances, bugs like aphids and whiteflies can pose a problem by forcing the plant’s leaves to curl or turn yellow.
The plant is also susceptible to powdery mildew, cilantro rust, and root rot.
Using necessary prevention and eradication methods to get rid of these pests and diseases is necessary for a healthy growing plant and flavorful produce.
Harvesting Micro Cilantro
When to Harvest
Micro cilantro is perfect for impatient food lovers as it is generally ready for harvest 14 to 21 days after seeding. If the first set of true leaves, also known as cotyledons, are fully developed and the plant is about 2-3 inches in height, you are ready to harvest and consume the herb!
You can also conduct a taste test to ensure the leaves have developed your desired flavor profile.
How to Harvest
Harvesting micro cilantro is easy! Simply hold a clump of its leaves and snip them using scissors just above the soil line.
Try not to disturb the roots or soil, as this will minimize the chance of mold and bacteria growth.
Micro cilantro is best used immediately after harvesting for optimal flavor and nutrition. However, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week if needed.
Note: Do not harvest the entire plant in one go, as this will stress the micro cilantro plant’s ability to generate new leaves. Always divide the tray into sections for harvesting and let the rest grow as usual until the next harvesting session.
Micro Cilantro Taste
The taste of micro cilantro is strong yet soothing. It is like consuming an enhanced version of mature cilantro. Some describe it as having a somewhat citrusy, pepper-like flavor profile with a bit of hidden sweetness.
The intensity makes it an excellent choice for dishes where a powerful cilantro presence is desired.
Micro Cilantro Uses
Micro cilantro is used in a plethora of cuisines all over the globe. The aroma and flavor of the herb make the dish mouthwatering. The most common way of using micro cilantro is as a garnish. This not only adds to the taste profile but also to the look of the dish.
It is also a crucial ingredient in various Mexican dishes, Asian cuisines, seafood, sandwiches, and salads. You can also spot it as a decoration on cocktail glasses and food platters.
