Definition

Noun: * Chinese parsley: A common name for the herb Coriandrum sativum, referring specifically to its fresh leaves and stems. It is an Old World herb with aromatic, parsley-like leaves used as a seasoning or garnish. The term distinguishes the leafy herb from the plant's dried seeds (coriander seeds).

Usage Notes

• "Chinese parsley" is primarily used in North American English to refer to the fresh green parts of the coriander plant (). In many other dialects of English, including British, Indian, and international English, the same plant part is called coriander or fresh coriander.
• The term helps differentiate the herb from the dried spice (coriander seed) in culinary contexts where both are used.
• It is typically used uncountable as a mass noun (e.g., "a bunch of Chinese parsley").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for a handful of finely chopped Chinese parsley to garnish the soup.
  • The distinctive, citrusy flavor of Chinese parsley is essential in many Asian and Latin American dishes.
  • Some people have a genetic trait that makes Chinese parsley taste like soap.

Advanced Usage

• The term can appear in compound nouns describing prepared items, but these are not the target word itself.
  • Chinese parsley sauce, Chinese parsley chutney.

Variants and Related Words

• Coriander (n): The more common international English term for the entire plant , but often specifically meaning the fresh leaves and stems in culinary contexts outside North America.
• Cilantro (n): The most common term in American English for the fresh leaves and stems, derived from Spanish. It is a direct synonym for "Chinese parsley."
• Coriander seed (n): The dried fruit of the same plant, used as a separate, distinct spice.

Synonyms

• Cilantro
• Fresh coriander
• Coriander leaves

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Chinese parsley" has only one core meaning: the fresh herb . It is not used to refer to common parsley (), despite the name. The "parsley" part of the name refers only to the visual similarity of the flat-leaf variety.

Noun

1. parsley-like herb used as seasoning or garnish
2. Old World herb with aromatic leaves and seed resembling parsley