Among one of the first spices used by mankind, coriander seeds, is the seed of coriandrum sativum, which belongs to the parsley family. The coriander seeds are almost round in shape and brown to yellowish red in colour.

It is a fragrant spice, with a mild, distinctive taste. It is widely used as a condiment in foods, beverages, marinades, desserts and sweet pastries and also in American cigarettes. It also has a great medicinal value.

In India it is cultivated mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.