Coriander (/ˌkɒriˈændər, ˈkɒriændər/), whose leaves are known (in the US, but not in the UK) as cilantro (/sɪˈlæntroʊ, -ˈlɑːn-/), is an annual herb (Coriandrum sativum) in the family Apiaceae. Most people perceive the leaves as having a fresh, slightly citrus taste. Due to variations in the gene OR6A2, some people perceive it to have a soap-like taste, or even a pungent or rotten taste.
It is native to the Mediterranean Basin. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves, the dried seeds, and the roots are the parts most traditionally used in cooking. It is used in certain cuisines, like Peruvian, Mexican, Indian and Southeast Asian.