Perejil vs. Cilantro: The Key Differences

Written by Jennifer Hollohan
Updated: July 26, 2023
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Most of us add herbs and spices to our dishes. However, we do not often think about the distinctive attributes of each one. Instead, we focus on how they will enhance our culinary creations. But each plant has a long, storied history and unique uses. Herbs, in particular, often look quite similar. So it can be hard to understand their differences. Two of these are perejil (otherwise known as parsley) and cilantro.

This article explores the characteristics of perejil (Petroselinum crispum) and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Read on to discover their uniqueness, along with how they are similar.

Perejil vs. Cilantro: Comparison

The chart below breaks down some of the key traits and characteristics of perejil and cilantro. Looking at each category helps to highlight the uniqueness of each flavorful herb.

Both perejil (Petroselinum crispum) and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) belong to the Apiaceae (carrot) family. This family group of plants features 434 genera and approximately 3,700 species of aromatic, flowering plants. Other notable members of the Apiaceae family include carrots and celery.

Although perejil and cilantro look similar at a quick glance, they are quite distinct. Some of their main differences include their size, uses, flowers, growing requirements, and history. We’ll explore each of these categories more in depth below. 

PerejilCilantro
Scientific ClassificationPetroselinum crispumCoriandrum sativum
Common Name(s)ParsleyCoriander, Chinese parsley, dhania, or cilantro
OriginsMediterraneanMediterranean
SizeUp to 1 foot both high and wide. Plants grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. 
UsesCulinary – salad, soups, tea, garnish. Leaves are common in dishes as a garnish or added herb. The seeds (known as coriander) are a spice for Asian and Latin American dishes. Traditional medicine.
LeavesDark green, they grow in a rosette shape and reach approximately 12-18 inches tall. Dark green, broad, and compound. The lower leaves look almost like parsley. 
FlowersThey grow in umbels. Yellow-green in color. However, the plant’s distinctive flavor is lost once the flowers bloom.It develops white, pale purple, or pink flowers before going to seed. Let at least one plant go to seed if you want coriander. 
Growing RequirementsGrow this tasty herb from seed or plant starts. You can directly sow seeds into your garden, start them indoors, or add them to a container garden. Erratic and unpredictable germination rates. Best grow outdoors in Zones 2-7. Rich, well-draining, consistently moist soil.   Sunny spot with well-draining soil. Winter hardy in Zones 2-11. Scalds easily in direct sunlight and will quickly bolt in the height of the summer. Direct sow into the garden or plant in containers.
HistoryIt found its way into the royal gardens and monasteries of Europe sometime in the Middle Ages. Ancient Greeks covered tombs with it. Cultivation and use can get traced back to ancient times. Coriander remains were discovered in Egyptian tombs. Spread by Spanish conquistadors and the Romans during their conquests.
Fun FactsOpt for flat-leaf parsley if you seek the familiar aromatic punch. They have more essential oils than their curly parsley cousin. The United States cannot produce enough to meet demand. There is a high demand for imported cilantro. 

Perejil vs. Cilantro: Size

The perejil plants are relatively compact. They generally top out at 1 foot high, with an equivalent spread.

You would not think it at first glance, but cilantro plants can grow quite large. Under the right conditions, they will mature up to 2 feet high and 1.5 feet wide.

Perejil vs. Cilantro: Uses

Both perejil and cilantro have a long history of culinary use. However, how one incorporates each herb into food differs greatly.

These days, perejil is best known as a garnish for restaurant meals. But their leaves serve a far more important service than just eye candy. In fact, parsley makes a delicious and crunchy addition to salads. And it is particularly well-suited to Mediterranean fare. And the firm leaves hold up extremely well when added to stocks, soups, or stews. Additionally, perejil makes a delightful tea, either on its own or combined with other herbs.

On the other hand, while cilantro can also get added to salads, soups, and stews, its use expands well beyond those applications. The leaves play a prominent role in salsas, guacamole, and other Latin American dishes. Cilantro seeds, known as coriander, are regularly incorporated into Asian and Latin American fare. Additionally, cilantro leaves and coriander play a vital role in traditional medicine.

Finally, the younger stems of both perejil and cilantro are edible. 

parsley in garden

Parsley makes a delicious addition to many meals.

©iStock.com/Oksana Chaun

Perejil vs. Cilantro: Flowers

To maintain a viable (and flavorful) leaf harvest, you should harvest your perejil or cilantro often and nip off any flowers before they fully develop. Once perejil or cilantro plants flower, the flavor of their leaves diminishes rapidly. 

But if you want to let one or more plants go to seed, allow the beautiful and delicate flowers to take over. 

Perejil flowers are typically yellow-green and grow in tiny umbels. However, cilantro develops small pale purple, pink, or white flowers. And the pollinators love them.

Perejil vs. Cilantro: Growing Requirements

Growing perejil can be challenging. The germination rate is sporadic and unpredictable. However, if you do manage to germinate your perejil seeds, the plants are easy to care for. They require well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. You can directly sow them in your garden in Zones 2-7. Or, feel free to buy plant starts or grow your own starts from seed indoors.  

Cilantro is slightly more delicate. The plants do not tolerate the intensity of mid-summer heat and will quickly bolt. Plant them in a sunny spot, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent the leaves from scorching. Cilantro loves well-draining soil and has moderate watering needs. 

Both perejil and cilantro are suitable for indoor container gardening. You can incorporate either plant into a small windowsill garden or your hydroponic system. 

cilantro in garden

Cilantro dislikes hot weather.

©iStock.com/Tevarak

Perejil vs. Cilantro: History

The history of perejil spans back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks covered their tombs with it. And it ultimately found its way into European royal gardens and monasteries during the Middle Ages. However, the most interesting parsley historical references revolve around its lore and mythology. For some time, many people believed that only witches or pregnant women could grow this delicious plant. 

Cilantro is another herb whose history can get traced back to ancient days. In fact, archaeologists discovered traces of coriander seeds in Egyptian tombs. The Romans and Spanish brought this popular herb with them during their conquests. And Chinese lore suggests coriander promotes immortality. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © nblx/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Hollohan is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on gardening, mammals, and travel. Jennifer has over twenty years of writing experience. She holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, which she earned in 2005, and is a Herbalist. Jennifer lives in Colorado with her family. She loves hiking, admiring wildflowers, gardening, and making herbal tea.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is perejil good for?

Perejil is rich in Vitamins C, K, B complex and A. Additionally, it is rich in copper, potassium, iron, and manganese. It may provide an antioxidant boost and protective benefits against various chronic diseases. 

Can I drink tea made with perejil?

Yes! Parsley tea is delicious and a great way to support your overall health. However, due to the high concentrations of vitamins in parsley, it is best to limit your consumption to one cup per day.

Does cilantro really taste like soap?

Yes, for some people it does. Those who taste soap when eating cilantro have a specific olfactory-receptor gene. 

What does cilantro taste like?

Those who don’t taste soap when they eat cilantro will get rewarded with a citrusy and fresh flavor.

Is cilantro an acquired taste?

As with many foods, cilantro may potentially grow on you. If you are not a fan of its flavor but want to keep trying, add just a small amount to rice or bean dishes to acclimate your pallet.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Missouri Botanical Garden, Available here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276060
  2. University of Wisconsin, Available here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/parsley-petroselinum-crispum/
  3. Colorado State University, Available here: https://fsi.colostate.edu/cilantro/
  4. Missouri Botanical Garden, Available here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275984
  5. Food Reference, Available here: https://www.foodreference.com/html/art-cilantro.html#:~:text=Cilantro%20has%20been%20used%20for,a%20number%20of%20medicinal%20properties.