From Cilantro to Coriander: Storing Garden Seeds in Your Pantry

Did you know cilantro and coriander seeds come from the same plant? The fresh leaves are cilantro, and the seeds are coriander. In this video, I’m showing the plant, collecting its seeds, and bringing that harvest into my pantry.

From my cilantro plant to a jar of coriander.

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From cilantro to coriander

The video follows the cilantro plant through its leafy growth, flowers, and dried seed heads. For this harvest, I let the plant reach its seed stage. Collect coriander seed heads when they have matured and turned brown.

Collecting the seeds

I bring the dried stems indoors and work over a covered table to catch the seeds. Then I gather the loose seeds into a bag and transfer them into my coriander jar. Working over a covered surface makes it easier to keep those little seeds together.

Getting them ready for the pantry

Let harvested seeds dry thoroughly before sealing them in a jar. Separate the seeds from any loose pieces of dried stem, then put the fully dried seeds into a clean, dry, airtight container.

Storing the jar

Label your jar so you know what’s inside. Store dried coriander in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard away from direct light and heat. Keep the container closed between uses, and make sure the jar and seeds are dry before storing.

Next up: chili

At the end of the video, I’m already thinking about what to cook: chili with these coriander seeds. That’s the garden-to-kitchen connection I love sharing—watching an ingredient grow, collecting it, and bringing it into a meal.

Have you ever collected coriander seeds from your cilantro plant?

Harvesting and storage reference: Iowa State University Extension: Growing, Harvesting, and Drying Herbs .