Pico de Gallo

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About Cilantro:

  • The coriander plant produces both cilantro and coriander.
  • Cilantro (herb) is the green leaves of the plant and coriander (spice) is made from its seeds.
  • Fresh coriander, or cilantro, is part of the parsley family. 

It has been speculated that a genetic variation makes some people despise cilantro - rather than sharp and tangy, cilantro tastes like soap or aluminum foil to them.

Nutrient Profile:

  • Vitamin K
  • Dietary fiber
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin B6
  • Folate
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorous
  • Potassium
  • Copper
  • Manganese

Health Benefits:

  • Control of Blood Sugar
  • Cholesterol Lowering
  • Reduction of Free Radical Production
  • Antibacterial

Selection and Storage:

  • Highly perishable, should be stored in refrigerator
  • Stored with its roots still attached; place roots in a glass of water, cover leaves with loosely fitting plastic bag  
  • If roots have been removed, wrap leaves in a damp cloth or paper towel; place in plastic bag
  • Whole cilantro will last up to one week; leaves alone will last three days 
  • Fresh cilantro should be washed right before using given high fragility
  • Buy whole coriander seeds instead of coriander powder since the powder loses its flavor more quickly. Ground coriander will last up to 6 months; whole seeds will stay fresh for about a year

Here’s a simple a delicious recipe for you!

Ingredients

  • 2 small tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 21/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 jalapeño (seeds removed), chopped
  • Sea salt

Mix all the chopped ingredients, lemon juice, and salt.  Season with more lemon juice, salt and pepper as needed.

I truly hope you enjoy this recipe and that it helps you live a healthier life.  I would absolutely love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below and let me know what you think.  If you enjoyed this post, share it with your friends and family!

Lots of love,

Judith

This year we have launched an exciting collaboration with Soul Food Salon.  Each week, we feature a delicious, seasonal, and nutritious ingredient.  We not only tell you a bit about it and all of the nutrition it represents, but also we provide you with a recipe so you can cook it at home.  Please share pictures of your meals on Instagram using the hashtag #SoulFoodSalon.  We can’t wait to learn and cook with you!