How is cilantro grown, is it a "trigger food," and what are its effects and benefits?
Cilantro is a fairly common food in our daily lives. Because of its distinctive aroma, people's fondness for it is divided into two camps. Those who like it especially love the smell, while those who dislike it avoid it at all costs. In fact, cilantro itself is highly nutritious. It not only stimulates the appetite and aids digestion, but can also relieve pain and detoxify. So what are the methods for growing cilantro? Is cilantro a trigger food? What are the effects and benefits of cilantro?
I. Cilantro Growing Methods
1. First, we need to select a suitable variety. Cilantro varieties include Beijing cilantro, Shandong large-leaf, Yuanyang autumn cilantro, and so on. Choose according to the temperature and environment of your region. Cilantro mainly comes in large-leaf and small-leaf varieties; generally, farmers choose the small-leaf type for planting.
2. Cilantro has very low requirements for season; it can be grown outdoors in spring, autumn, and winter. During the seedling stage, there is no need to water too much. Once the seedlings grow to 10-12 cm, they need plenty of watering, keeping the soil moist at all times.
During watering, pay attention to clearing weeds. In summer, when sunlight is intense, appropriate shading is needed; farmers with the means can consider building a shed, which can also protect against heavy rain. Drain promptly after rain to ensure the uniformity of the cilantro.
3. Besides outdoor cultivation, cilantro can also be grown in greenhouses. The greenhouse environment is the same as for other plants; during September to October, before winter sets in, irrigate once with freezing water, which helps the cilantro overwinter. January to February is cold, so there is no need for much ventilation, to avoid reduced yield from icy and snowy weather. During this period, farmers can carry out loosening the soil, weeding, and other tasks to ensure a good growing environment for the cilantro. Once the cilantro seedlings reach 10 cm in height, the temperature inside the greenhouse needs to be raised somewhat, with 15 to 20°C being most suitable.
4. For fertilizing cilantro, compound fertilizer is mostly used as a base fertilizer, and then the soil is turned, loosened, and leveled according to the planting area. High-quality farmyard manure is also a good choice.
II. Is Cilantro a Trigger Food?
Many friends who are prone to allergies are quite cautious about food, and are not sure whether cilantro is actually a trigger food.
Cilantro is indeed a trigger food. Trigger foods mainly refer to foods that are stimulating or aromatic, and cilantro fits exactly that description. So people who are currently having allergic reactions or who have an allergy-prone constitution should eat as little cilantro as possible, to avoid adverse effects.
In fact, the vast majority of people are not allergic to cilantro. Cilantro is rich in vitamins and can promote absorption by the human body. Its unique aroma can stimulate the appetite, making it an excellent auxiliary seasoning.
III. Effects and Benefits of Cilantro
1. Cilantro contains volatile oils. Its natural distinctive aroma can remove the fishy smell of various meat foods. Many dishes are garnished with cilantro before serving, which enriches the color while also removing odors and stimulating the appetite.
2. Cilantro contains vitamin C, carotene, vitamin B1, B2, and so on, as well as rich mineral elements. It can dispel cold and induce sweating, and clear heat and detoxify. For friends with a weak and cold spleen and stomach, eating more cilantro can warm the stomach and dispel cold, and relieve abdominal pain.
3. Regularly eating cilantro can eliminate toxins from the body and inhibit the accumulation of lead in the liver. Cilantro can also promote urination and prevent bladder inflammation.
IV. Dietary Taboos of Cilantro
1. Cilantro has a distinctive aroma. Friends with bad breath or body odor should not eat it in public places, as it can spread the smell over a large area.
2. Although cilantro is good, it should not be eaten in large amounts. It is recorded in <i>Qianjin · Shizhi</i> that cilantro cannot be eaten in large quantities over a long period, as it can make a person mentally scattered, cause forgetfulness, and is also bad for the eyes.