Waste Not Want Not

So, there I was at the Greengrocer the other day and I couldn’t resist the offer of two bunches of Coriander for $5.00. The smell provokes the cook in me and even before I reach the checkout, I have prepared several meals … in my head. That’s all well and good but it’s a lot of coriander to cook a meal for 4 people, even several meals. What to do with the leftovers?


Being one of 7, we never had a lot of anything as kids, so waste was never an option and still isn’t. The small hungry child in me just couldn’t throw out anything of use, especially not such a beautiful herb. I know not everyone loves coriander but, it really is so very good for you and especially when there are colds and flu around. It is anti-microbial, loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and is useful for high blood pressure, anaemia and even mouth ulcers.

And just think of all those amazing Thai and Indian style dishes you can prepare. So, back to the not being wasteful part. I decided to dry the leaves and keep the roots. The roots are great to use for a base in a soup or casserole style dish and the leaves can be sprinkled throughout dishes or even used as a garnish. Not only is it easy but you now have some freshly dried herbs to add to your cooking arsenal. I love Coriander sprinkled over my fish tacos or in a fish curry.

The choices are many and it’s up to you to decide how to use it, but drying your own herbs feels liberating and at the same time, borderline heroic because you are saving the planet by not buying something wrapped in plastic or even glass with a plastic lid.
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Give it a go. 

​Enjoy your day.
 
Lee x

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