Why is it called Ketumbar Jawa? In Malay and Indonesian, the word ketumbar means coriander, while Jawa refers to Java, the Indonesian island. Locals began calling it Ketumbar Jawa, meaning “Javanese coriander,” because its aroma and taste resemble coriander and it was commonly found and used in the Java region (GROWING BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER)
Sawtooth coriander is also known by other names in different parts of the world. Ngò gai in Vietnam, Phak chi farang in Thailand, and Chadon beni in the Caribbean.
Sawtooth
Coriander/Culantro vs Coriander/Cilantro
Scent of
Sawtooth Coriander and Coriander
Sawtooth
coriander has a strong and pungent scent with peppery and slightly medicinal
tones. The scent becomes more noticeable when the leaves are crushed or chopped
and is known for its long-lasting aroma (HOW TO GROW TORCH GINGER).
Coriander, on
the other hand, has a lighter, fresher aroma with citrusy and slightly sweet
notes. Its scent is mild and fades more quickly than sawtooth coriander.
Sawtooth coriander has long leaves, ranging from dark to light green, with saw-toothed or serrated sharp edges. Its stems are short, firm, and upright. The plant usually grows 30 to 60 cm tall. Leaves grow in bushy clusters from the base, and small white flowers appear on spikes above the leaves. The leaves are thick and strong, giving the plant a sturdy look.
Coriander, or
cilantro, has light green, delicate leaves that are feathery or slightly lobed.
Its stems are thin and soft, and the plant grows 50 to 70 cm tall. Coriander is
less bushy, with leaves spread along the stems, and produces small white or
pink flowers. The leaves are soft and fragile, making the plant appear lighter.
In short, sawtooth coriander has thicker, serrated leaves and a bushier form, while coriander has softer, feathery leaves and slender stems. This makes it easy to tell the two herbs apart.
(Home Grown Sawtooth Coriander or Culantro)
Benefits of
Sawtooth Coriander
Sawtooth
coriander holds numerous health benefits, which include:
Rich in
antioxidants
Helps protect
the body from damage caused by free radicals, supporting overall cellular
health.
Anti-inflammatory
properties – may reduce inflammation and support general wellness.
Supports
digestion
Soothes stomach
discomfort and promotes a healthy digestive system.
Natural source
of vitamins and minerals
Contains nutrients such as vitamin C and iron, contributing to immune health and overall vitality.
Yes, sawtooth coriander is edible and safe to eat. It can be chewed and swallowed. Slicing the leaves thinly is preferred for a milder taste, and eating larger pieces is also safe, though the flavor is very strong and pungent. However, caution must be applied, especially for those with allergies or health issues, to avoid unwarranted problems.
How to Grow
Sawtooth Coriander
Growing
Sawtooth Coriander from Seeds
Sawtooth
coriander seeds, also known as culantro seeds, are widely available online and
generally affordable. Seed packets usually provide all the information needed
for successful growth.
Seeds can be
sown directly into well-drained soil and kept in a shaded area at first. This
protects the seeds from drying out, scorching, and moisture loss, and prevents
fragile seedlings from being stunted or killed by early exposure to full sun.
For home gardeners, sawtooth coriander can be grown in pots or containers, making it ideal for small spaces. Planting directly in the ground is ideal, as it provides more room for the plants to spread and produce new plants. In pots, seedlings may need to be transferred to larger containers as they grow and space becomes limited.
Growing sawtooth coriander from ready-made plants is often easier and faster than starting from seeds. Plants are more readily available in nurseries compared to seeds and can also be purchased online, typically around $10 per plant.
When first
acquired, plants should be allowed to adapt to the new environment before
transferring to a pot or planting directly in the ground. Over time, each plant
naturally produces more shoots, forming clusters either in pots or on the
ground.
Gardening Tips
for Sawtooth Coriander
Climate
Sawtooth
coriander thrives in tropical climates and is well-suited for home gardens. It
can tolerate hot sun, but partial sunlight is recommended, especially for
flowering. The flowers produce seeds, which dry and fall naturally onto the
soil, growing into new plants.
Soil Type
Sawtooth
coriander is adaptable to different soil types, including clay. Mixing in
compost and black soil improves growth, helps retain moisture, and supports
healthy development.
Watering
Regular
watering is essential, particularly in clay soil, which can dry quickly. Water
should reach the roots to keep the soil consistently moist. Insufficient water
can cause the plant to dry out and die.
Fertilizing
Sawtooth
coriander can grow well even without fertilizer, as water and sunlight provide
most of its needs. However, a small amount of organic fertilizer can be added
occasionally to encourage growth and support overall plant health.
Uses of Sawtooth Coriander
Cooking with
Sawtooth Coriander
Sawtooth
coriander, also known as culantro, is a highly versatile herb suited for almost
any savory dish. There are no strict rules for its use. This herb works well as
a replacement for coriander leaves, mint, or even curry leaves in cooking.
Its unique aroma adds depth and character to
dishes, creating a natural scent that enhances the overall flavor. Sawtooth
coriander can also elevate salads, such as a watermelon savory salad, giving it
a distinctive taste.
Ingredients (as needed)
Watermelon - scoop into small balls or slice
Shallots - thinly sliced
Red chillies - sliced
Sawtooth coriander - thinly sliced
Lime juice
Soy sauce
Crushed peanuts
How to make No-Cook Watermelon Salad
Toss the watermelon, shallots, red chillies, and sawtooth coriander together.
Place on a serving plate.
Drizzle lime juice and soy sauce, and sprinkle
crushed peanuts atop.
Add salt if needed.
In a chickpea salad, as shared in the YouTube short video below, mint leaves can be replaced with sawtooth coriander for an aromatic twist.
Other Uses of Sawtooth Coriander
Beyond cooking and health benefits, sawtooth coriander has a few additional uses. Its aromatic leaves can help deter certain pests when planted alongside other crops, making it a useful companion in the garden.
The strong, fresh scent also lends itself to homemade herbal mixtures or natural air fresheners. In some regions, the herb is valued for cultural or ceremonial purposes, adding symbolic significance beyond the kitchen.
