Have you ever stood in the grocery store looking at two bunches of fresh green herbs and wondered which one was cilantro and which one was parsley?
You’re definitely not alone. Cilantro and flat-leaf parsley look remarkably similar, especially when they’re sitting side by side. Both have green leaves, thin stems, and a fresh appearance, and both belong to the same botanical family. But their flavors, aromas, and culinary uses are quite different.
The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to tell them apart.
Once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to identify them in just a few seconds.
First: Which One Is Cilantro?
In the image, number 1 is cilantro, while number 2 is flat-leaf parsley.
At first glance, the difference can be subtle. The easiest method is to look closely at the shape of the leaves and then use your nose.
Cilantro generally has softer-looking leaves with more rounded, scalloped lobes. Flat-leaf parsley tends to have more pointed, sharply serrated leaflets and a somewhat sturdier appearance.
But there’s an even easier test.
The Smell Test
Pick up a small leaf and gently rub it between your fingers.
Now smell it.
If you immediately notice a strong, distinctive citrusy and pungent aroma, you’re probably holding cilantro.
Parsley has a much milder, fresh, grassy, herbal smell.
This is one of the most reliable ways to distinguish the two herbs because their aromas are dramatically different.
Some people even describe cilantro’s aroma as soapy. Interestingly, this isn’t just imagination. Certain aldehyde compounds in cilantro are associated with the characteristic aroma, and genetic differences can influence how strongly people perceive those compounds.
Step 1: Look at the Leaves
Start by examining the leaves.
Cilantro
Cilantro leaves tend to look:
- Softer
- More delicate
- Rounded
- Scalloped around the edges
- Slightly lacy
The overall appearance can look somewhat relaxed or delicate.
Flat-Leaf Parsley
Flat-leaf parsley tends to have:
- More pointed leaf tips
- Sharper serrations
- Firmer leaves
- A more structured appearance
- Often a darker green color
These differences can become much easier to see once you’ve compared the herbs several times.
Step 2: Examine the Stems
The stems can provide another clue.
Cilantro tends to have relatively delicate stems, while parsley generally feels sturdier and more robust.
If you pick up a bunch and it feels particularly delicate and soft, it may be cilantro. A firmer, more structured bunch is more likely to be parsley.
Still, don’t rely on the stems alone. Freshness, variety, and growing conditions can change their appearance.
Step 3: Use Your Nose
This is the trick I recommend remembering.
Don’t just lookâsmell.
Gently crush a leaf between your fingers and take a quick sniff.
Cilantro has a strong, distinctive aroma that can be difficult to confuse with anything else.
Parsley smells much more subtle and grassy.
Once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll probably be able to identify cilantro almost instantly.
Step 4: Taste the Difference
See more on the next page