Coriander, also known as cilantro, is an annual herb native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. The seed is actually the small, globular fruit of the plant. The coriander seed has a variety of culinary and medicinal applications. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is often combined with caraway and cardamom for use as a digestive tonic. Coriander is described as a spice with a warm, nutty, citrusy flavor. Roasting or heating the seeds in a pan will heighten the flavor and pungency. Coriander is a spice used commonly in garam masala and other India curries, as well as in pickling spice recipes and sausages..