Recao Culantro

Discover the bold, distinctive flavor of recao culantro, a powerhouse herb that brings authentic Caribbean and Latin American taste to your kitchen. Also known as Mexican coriander, long coriander, or sawtooth herb, recao culantro is a tropical leafy green that delivers a much more intense flavor than regular cilantro, with earthy, peppery notes and a robust aroma that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. This versatile herb features serrated, elongated leaves that pack significantly more punch than traditional cilantro, making it an essential ingredient in Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, and other Caribbean cuisines. Recao culantro is the secret behind authentic sofrito, the aromatic cooking base that forms the foundation of countless Latin dishes including rice and beans, stews, marinades, and meat preparations. Its bold flavor profile also makes it perfect for Vietnamese pho, Thai curries, and other Southeast Asian dishes where its intensity won't be overshadowed by other strong ingredients. When cooking with recao culantro, a little goes a long way due to its concentrated flavor. Use it fresh in salsas, chimichurri, and herb pastes, or add it to slow-cooked dishes where its robust character can infuse throughout. The leaves can be chopped finely and mixed into rice dishes, blended into marinades for grilled meats, or incorporated into soups and broths. Store fresh recao culantro in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels, and consider freezing chopped portions in ice cube trays with a little water for convenient future use in your favorite recipes.