Mumbai: Coriander, also known as dhaniya, is a versatile herb widely used for its fresh leaves and seeds, both of which are essential ingredients in various cuisines worldwide. Gardening coriander at home is easy and can be done in soil or using hydroponic methods.
Coriander is valued for both its culinary and medicinal benefits. Fresh coriander leaves add a refreshing, citrusy flavour to dishes like salads, chutneys, salsas, soups, curries, and garnishes. They are essential in Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Coriander seeds are often toasted and ground into a spice that adds a warm, earthy flavour to recipes like spice blends, marinades, stews, and pickles. The stems are packed with flavour and can be used in cooking along with the leaves. They’re especially good in broths, curries, and sauces.
Coriander is known to aid digestion and may relieve symptoms like bloating, gas, and nausea. Consuming coriander seeds in warm water is a common remedy for digestive discomfort.
Placing a small bowl of crushed coriander seeds in your kitchen can help neutralise cooking odours. Coriander seed tea is a simple home remedy for stress relief and mild digestive issues. Just boil a teaspoon of seeds in water, strain, and enjoy.
Forget the soil, pots, and compost—you only need coriander seeds, a mesh basket, and a deep bowl. Within days, you’ll notice tiny sprouts emerging, and in a few weeks, you’ll have your own supply of homegrown, organic dhaniya ready to use.
This method is not only budget-friendly but also sustainable, letting you enjoy fresh herbs without the fuss of traditional gardening. Perfect for beginners, hydroponic dhaniya is a simple way to bring green indoors!
Grow Dhaniya at home with only water
Growing coriander (dhania) leaves in water is a simple, sustainable method known as hydroponics. This method is ideal for cultivating leafy greens and herbs without using soil. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow fresh dhania leaves using just water and a few basic materials.
Materials you’ll need
In hydroponic gardening, you can skip supplies like pots, soil, or compost. For growing coriander in water, all you need are:
- Coriander seeds
- A mesh basket
- A deep bowl or container filled with water
This method makes it easy to grow herbs at home without needing a garden or soil-based setup.
Method- Step 1: Preparing eeds
Start by preparing the coriander seeds. Take the seeds and gently break them in half with a mortar and pestle or a sturdy utensil. Be careful not to crush them into powder; simply split them, as this will encourage faster germination by exposing the seed interior.
Step 2: Filling the bowl with water
Next, fill a deep bowl or container with clean, filtered water. RO (reverse osmosis) water is ideal, as it’s free from the impurities often found in tap water. Make sure the bowl is filled close to the top to allow the water to stay in contact with the seeds in the mesh basket.
Step 3: Positioning the mesh basket
Place the mesh basket over the bowl of water so that it sits just above the waterline or touches it slightly. Ensure water seeps up into the basket to keep the seeds consistently moist, as moisture is crucial for seed germination.
Step 4: Adding the seeds
Once you have the mesh basket in place and water flowing into it, sprinkle the split coriander seeds evenly across the basket. Confirm that the seeds remain in contact with water to prevent them from drying out.
This hydroponic method is perfect for growing fresh dhaniya at home. Keep the setup in a spot with indirect sunlight, and after about a week or two, you’ll see tiny sprouts beginning to grow.
Growing and using coriander at home is a great way to enjoy this herb’s full benefits while having a fresh supply ready for cooking and wellness uses!
