Coriander

Hebrew: כֻּסְבָּרָה, kusbarah
Name in the Mishnah: כסבר, גד השדה; kasbar, gad hasadeh
Family: Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum

Coriander is an annual plant from the Umbelliferae family. The plant has a distinct strong smell and both its leafs and seeds are used for seasoning. While its main distribution is in Mediterranean countries, coriander is cultivated in other regions as well. Once the plant begins to mature and begins to flower and produce seeds, the leaves become bitter. Therefore, to eat the leaves, one should harvest the plant when young.

Coriander is one of the first plants that were domesticated by humans for its seeds. One of the descriptions of the manna that fell for the Israelites in the desert is that it was white resembling zera gad, coriander seed. Coriander is mentioned numerous times throughout rabbinic literature as a plant similar to various plants vis-à-vis the laws of kilayim, such as kusbar hasadeh, gofnan, and karpas; its obligation in ma’aserot when growing it for its seeds or when still fresh, as a vegetable, among others. Note that the Mishnah refers to the plant also as kusbar hasadeh, which is a wild cultivar of coriander or other similar species from the Umbelliferae family.

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting mixed species – annuals & grapevines): Since coriander is considered a vegetable, it should not be planted near other annuals or grapevines.

Kedushat shevi’it (Sabbatical year sanctity): Both coriander leaves and seeds harvested during shemitah should be treated as sacred since they are used for human consumption.

Vegetable or legume: There are several halachic distinctions between vegetables and legume. The status of the plant is ultimately determined according to the purpose of its cultivation. If grown for its leaves, it has the halachic status of a vegetable. However, if grown for its seeds, the plant follows that laws that pertain to legumes.

Infestation: Similar to many vegetables with edible leaves (leafy vegetables), it is heavily infested. If grown in a home garden, it is important to thoroughly wash and carefully inspect the leaves before consumption.