Coriander Seeds: From Ancient Ayurveda to your Frying Pan
Wondering how to get more flavour out of your coriander seeds?
For a Spice Hack this month I’m unlocking the secret to making coriander seeds truly shine in your cooking - using a simple technique that adds depth, aroma, and a little magic to everyday meals!
🔥 Why toasting coriander seeds makes all the difference
If you’ve only used ground coriander powder from the supermarket, you’re missing out on the full flavour potential of this powerhouse spice.
Whole coriander seeds, when gently toasted and freshly crushed, release rich citrusy, nutty notes that can completely transform your dish.
Here’s how to toast coriander seeds properly:
Heat a dry cast-iron pan over a low-medium heat.
Add 1 - 2 tablespoons of whole coriander seeds.
Toast for 30 - 45 seconds, stirring often, until they start to give off a warm, earthy aroma.
Remove from heat, cool, and crush using a pestle and mortar.
🍽️ Best ways to use toasted coriander seeds in cooking
Toasted coriander seeds add a brightness and subtle citrus flavour that pairs beautifully with many dishes.
Use toasted coriander seeds in:
Roast vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potato
Curries, dhals, and soups
Rice dishes, couscous, and grain bowls
Homemade spice rubs for BBQ and grilled meats
Pickles and spice blends
Sprinkled into Raita or dips
These small seeds pack a punch when treated right, and your tastebuds will thank you - plus take a peak at my video snippet below to experience the sights and sounds for yourself!
🌍 The history of coriander seeds in global cuisine
Did you know coriander is one of the world’s oldest spices?
Used in cooking and medicine for over 7,000 years, coriander seeds were discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs and referenced in Ayurvedic texts from India. The Greeks called it koriannon, and it’s been traded along the Silk Road, used in Roman wine, and included in Middle Eastern and Asian spice blends for centuries.
Whether it’s known as dhaniya in Indian cooking or kuzbara in Arabic cuisine, coriander has played a central role in flavouring the world’s kitchens and it remains essential in modern plant-based and whole-food cooking today.
🌿 Health benefits of coriander seeds
Coriander isn’t just a spice – it’s packed full of health and nutritional properties.
Here are a few science-backed health benefits of coriander seeds:
💚 Supports digestion: Reduces bloating, acidity, and indigestion.
💚 Blood sugar balancing: Shown to help regulate glucose and insulin response.
💚 Rich in antioxidants: Including quercetin and tocopherols to fight inflammation.
💚 Natural detoxifier: Supports liver and kidney function.
💚 Cooling effect: In Ayurveda, coriander calms heat in the body and supports pitta balance.
You can even brew coriander seed tea for a gentle post-meal digestive boost.
🛠️ Traditional tools: Use a pestle and mortar for better flavour
Skip the electric grinder and rediscover the joy of crushing spices by hand!
Using a wooden pestle and mortar allows you to control the texture, release oils more effectively, and enjoy the sensory ritual that brings cooking back to its roots.
Shop my specially designed and handcrafted wooden pestle and mortars - they’re perfect for daily spice use. Check them out here👇🏽!
🎥 See it in action: Toasting coriander seeds
Want to experience the flavour unlock for yourself?
Watch my coriander seed toasting and crushing video on Instagram @innerspice here - it’s a visual and sensory treat that shows exactly how to get the most out of this seed!
✍🏽 Finally: Why this ancient seed still matters
For me, coriander seeds are more than just a spice. They remind me of my mum’s cooking and the spicy aromas that filled our home before dinner.
Whether you're a curious cook, a wellness lover, or someone reconnecting with tradition, toasting and using coriander seeds is one of the easiest ways to elevate your meals - and connect to generations of wisdom.
📣 SHARE THE LOVE
Have you tried roasting coriander seeds? Share your creations or spice rituals on Instagram and tag @innerspice - or leave a comment below.
Let’s keep the spice stories alive!
