The Versatile Vietnamese Coriander: From Culinary Delights to Health Benefits

What is Vietnamese coriander?

Vietnamese coriander, also known as rau răm or Persicaria odorata, is a fragrant and flavorful herb native to Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese coriander thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring warm and damp conditions. Under ideal circumstances, it can grow to 6–12 inches (15 – 30 cm) and spread up to 24 inches (60 cm). The leaves are dark green with brown spots on top and reddish-purple underneath. The stem is jointed at each leaf.

The taste of Vietnamese coriander is a blend of citrus and mint, with a slightly spicy aftertaste.

For generations, Vietnamese people have used this herb in both their cuisine and traditional medicine.

Health benefits of Vietnamese coriander

Research has shown that Vietnamese coriander is rich in flavonoids, which are excellent antioxidants. Flavonoids are renowned for their health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-cancer properties.

In traditional Vietnamese medicine, Vietnamese coriander is used to treat stomach aches and digestive disorders. The remedy is simple: take 15 grams of the whole plant, including stems and leaves, wash it thoroughly, and soak it in a mild saltwater solution for about 15 minutes to ensure it’s clean. After that, you can either eat it raw or crush it to extract the juice for drinking.

Vietnamese coriander can be combined with ginger to help treat colds. Simply crush a handful of Vietnamese coriander and three slices of ginger, then squeeze the mixture to extract the juice and drink it.

Additionally, essential oil extracted from rau răm is used to treat dandruff.

How to Use Vietnamese Coriander in Cooking

Vietnamese coriander is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, adding depth and complexity to flavors. Here are some ways to incorporate this herb into your culinary creations:

Garnish: Sprinkle fresh Vietnamese coriander leaves over salads, soups, or grilled meats and vegetables for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Stir-fries and curries: Add chopped Vietnamese coriander leaves to stir-fries, curries, and other Southeast Asian-inspired dishes for an authentic touch.

Vietnamese coriander in traditional Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese Coriander is an indispensable ingredient in many traditional Vietnamese dishes, adding its distinctive flavor and aroma to a variety of culinary creations. Here are a few examples:

Vietnamese chicken salad

Vietnamese chicken salad (gỏi gà) often features Vietnamese coriander leaves, along with other components such as onions, cilantro, lime, and chili peppers, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Beef and tomato soup with Vietnamese coriander

This is a beloved Vietnamese soup that features beef and tomatoes as the main ingredients. Once the soup is cooked, the chef sprinkles fresh Vietnamese coriander leaves on top to add a unique and delightful flavor.

Soup with crucian carp and Vietnamese coriander

In this delicious soup, fresh crucian carp is first cleaned and marinated with a blend of onions, salt, fish sauce, and fresh chili peppers. The chef then brings a pot of water to a boil, adds the marinated fish, and lets it cook until the water boils again. Finally, Vietnamese coriander is added to the pot, infusing the soup with its distinctive and aromatic flavor.

Hột vịt lộn (fertilized duck eggs)

Fertilized duck eggs, also known as hột vịt lộn, are a popular street food in Vietnam. These eggs are boiled until fully cooked, and the inside contains a partially developed duck embryo. To enjoy this delicacy, Vietnamese people crack open the shell and eat the contents, often accompanied by Vietnamese coriander and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Growing Vietnamese coriander at home

If you’re a culinary enthusiast or a gardening aficionado, growing your own Vietnamese coriander can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips for cultivating this herb at home:

Sunlight: Vietnamese coriander thrives in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if there’s a breeze and the soil is boggy and moist.

Propagation: You can propagate Vietnamese Coriander from seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in moist, well-drained soil and kept consistently damp until germination. During this period, maintain consistent soil moisture without letting the soil become waterlogged.

Harvesting: About 6-8 weeks after planting, once the plant is well-established, you can start harvesting the leaves as needed. Just snip off what you need, but be sure to leave enough foliage so the plant can keep growing

Maintenance: Regular watering and occasional pruning will encourage bushier growth.