At Alphas Produce, we love spotlighting ingredients that bring authenticity, depth, and tradition to the kitchen. Culantro is one of those standout herbs—often mistaken for cilantro, yet delivering a much bolder, more intense flavor that chefs and home cooks rely on for truly authentic dishes.
What Is Culantro?
Culantro (Eryngium foetidum) is a leafy green herb widely used in Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian, and South Asian cuisines. While its aroma is similar to cilantro, culantro has long, serrated leaves and a stronger, more robust taste that holds up beautifully during cooking.
Culantro vs. Cilantro
Although they’re related, culantro and cilantro are not the same. Culantro has a stronger, earthier flavor and long, spiky leaves, while cilantro has a lighter taste and delicate, rounded leaves. Culantro also holds its flavor during cooking, which is why it’s often added early in the cooking process.
- Flavor: Stronger and earthier than cilantro
- Appearance: Long, serrated leaves
- Best Use: Excellent for cooked dishes where flavor needs to last
Culinary Uses
Culantro is a foundational ingredient in many traditional recipes. A little goes a long way, making it a favorite for bold, authentic flavor.
- Sofrito and recaito
- Stews, soups, and broths
- Rice and bean dishes
- Marinades for meats and seafood
- Curries and spice pastes
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond taste, culantro offers nutritional value. It contains vitamins A and C, plus minerals such as calcium and iron. In many cultures, it has also been used traditionally in herbal remedies.
Fresh Culantro from Alphas Produce
At Alphas Produce, we source fresh, high-quality culantro to meet the needs of restaurants, markets, and food service professionals. Our commitment to freshness helps ensure vibrant color, strong aroma, and maximum flavor—exactly what your recipes deserve.
Whether you’re crafting traditional dishes or experimenting with global flavors, culantro is a powerful herb that elevates every plate. Contact Alphas Produce today to learn more about our fresh herb offerings and dependable wholesale supply.
