Coriandrum sativum
Cilantro microgreens (Coriandrum sativum) are the most patient crop in the ChefPax lineup — slow to germinate, demanding in their growing conditions, and well worth the wait. We grow Leisure Splits cilantro, using split coriander seeds pre-soaked for 4–6 hours, on a thin soil layer over coco coir. The process takes 18–25 days from seed to harvest — the longest lead time of our standard crops.
The result is a microgreen that tastes unmistakably like fresh cilantro — bright, citrusy, and classic — but more concentrated and tender than the mature herb. If you love cilantro in tacos, salsas, and Asian cooking, cilantro microgreens will feel immediately familiar while delivering a more intense aromatic punch in a smaller quantity.
Austin's taco and Tex-Mex culture means cilantro is a staple in many households, and cilantro microgreens have become a natural extension of that tradition. They're perfect for people who burn through fresh cilantro bunches and want a continuously fresh source — snip what you need from a live tray rather than watching a bunch wilt in the back of the refrigerator.
Cilantro microgreens taste exactly like fresh cilantro — bright, citrusy, and herbal with the distinctive flavor that cilantro lovers prize. The flavor is concentrated compared to mature leaves — a small pinch of microgreens delivers the same impact as several mature leaves. There's a clean, fresh finish with no bitterness.
Cilantro microgreens are rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C, with notable mineral content including potassium and manganese. They contain quercetin and kaempferol — flavonoids with antioxidant properties — as well as the essential oils responsible for cilantro's characteristic aroma. Like most microgreens, the nutrient density per gram is significantly higher than the mature plant form.
For a deeper look at vitamins and phytonutrients studied across varieties, see the microgreens nutrition guide.
Cilantro microgreens are available in both 5×5 and 10×20 live tray formats. The live tray is particularly well-suited to cilantro — the roots keep it fresh far longer than any pre-cut herb package. Keep in indirect light at room temperature and snip as needed. Expect 7–10 days of fresh cilantro from a live tray.
Full storage tips — container types, fridge placement, and shelf life by crop — are in the microgreens storage guide.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
20 min
Chili-lime shrimp tacos with mango-avocado slaw finished with a big handful of cilantro microgreens for fresh herbaceous punch.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
10 min
Sweet mango salsa studded with jalapeño and red onion, with cilantro microgreens folded in for vivid herbal flavor.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
30 min
Aromatic beef-broth pho with rice noodles and a full herb plate — cilantro microgreens take the place of whole-leaf cilantro for concentrated flavor.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
20 min
This refreshing quinoa salad is elevated with the addition of cilantro microgreens, providing a burst of flavor and nutrition.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
15 min
A modern twist on classic avocado toast, this recipe features cilantro microgreens for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. Inspired by the fresh ingredients celebrated at Dong Nai.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
25 min
This pasta dish features a spicy twist with cilantro microgreens in the pesto, providing a fresh and aromatic experience. Inspired by the bold flavors seen at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
20 min
This vibrant quinoa salad bursts with flavor from fresh mango and cilantro microgreens, making it a nutritious and refreshing dish. Inspired by the lively flavors often found at Verde's Mexican Parrilla.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
30 min
This nutritious bowl features fluffy quinoa, spicy roasted vegetables, and a fresh cilantro microgreen topping for a satisfying meal.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
25 min
These hearty tacos are filled with spiced black beans and topped with fresh cilantro microgreens for a delicious, plant-based meal.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
15 min
This refreshing salad highlights the vibrant flavor of cilantro microgreens, paired with creamy avocado and a citrus dressing for a burst of freshness.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
20 min
Flavorful shrimp tacos topped with fresh cilantro microgreens and a spicy yogurt sauce make for a quick and exciting dinner option.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
25 min
This vibrant quinoa salad features cilantro microgreens, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing, making it a refreshing and nutritious meal.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
10 min
Elevate your breakfast with creamy avocado and zesty cilantro microgreens atop whole grain toast, packed with healthy fats and flavor.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
15 min
This hummus spread is a unique twist on a classic, featuring zesty cilantro microgreens that add freshness and a hint of spice.
ChefPax Microgreens
ChefPax recipe
25 min
These vibrant tacos are packed with flavor, featuring fresh cilantro microgreens and a creamy avocado salsa for a zesty twist.
Cilantro seeds (technically coriander fruits) have a thick hull and naturally slow germination. We use split coriander seeds and pre-soak them to speed germination, but even with these techniques, cilantro takes 18–25 days — about twice as long as broccoli or radish.
Probably not — cilantro microgreens have the same flavor chemistry as mature cilantro, including the compounds that taste like soap to people with certain gene variants. If mature cilantro tastes off to you, cilantro microgreens will have the same effect. We recommend radish or sunflower microgreens as flavorful alternatives.
Use cilantro microgreens anywhere you'd use fresh cilantro: tacos, salsas, pho, banh mi, and grain bowls. Start with our radish microgreens taco recipe as a template and substitute cilantro microgreens as the herb garnish.
Cilantro and cilantro microgreens carry the same volatile aromatic profile — linalool, geraniol, and related terpenoid compounds — and are used as a fresh finishing element in tacos, pho, salsas, and composed plates. Research on cilantro focuses primarily on its essential oil composition and antioxidant activity.
• Cilantro and cilantro microgreens contain volatile aromatic compounds including linalool that have been studied for antioxidant activity.
moderate evidence• Fresh cilantro microgreens deliver the same aromatic compounds as mature leaves in a smaller, more visually refined garnish format.
strong evidence• Flavor and aroma intensity in cilantro microgreens vary by seed source, growing temperature, and harvest timing.
strong evidence1. Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens — Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012
2. Microgreens: Production, Shelf Life, and Bioactive Components — Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2017
