Culantro

Culantro is an herb native to Mexico, Central, and South America which has a strong, aromatic scent that fills the air if you brush up against it. This easy-to-grow herb has many culinary uses in Caribbean, Latin American, and Asian cuisine. It is a very popular herb in Panama, Puerto Rico, and other Latin countries. Although used in small amounts, its very strong flavor is used as a seasoning in a wide range of foods including meats, vegetables, and chutneys. It goes by many names: long coriander, false coriander, culantro or recao (Spanish), langer koriander (German), ngo gai (Vietnamese), pak chi farang (Thai), and bhandhanya (Hindi). Like its close relative, cilantro, the plant tends to stretch tall and go to seed in the lengthening days of spring. While culantro and cilantro look different, the leaf aromas are similar, although culantro is stronger. Although it is grown as an annual, it is actually biennial in areas warm enough to let it overwinter. Some Bonnie Plants varieties may not be available at your local stores, as we select and sell varieties best suited to the growing conditions in each region. Only available in the following state, in limited quantity: southern FL

Mexican Tarragon

Also called Mexican mint marigold, Texas tarragon, and occasionally yerba anise, this plant is a great substitute for true French tarragon in warm humid climates where French tarragon wanes in the summer. The leaves have a similar anise-like flavor and can be used in soups, or for fish, chicken salad, and other dishes calling for tarragon. Although it is technically an annual, Mexican tarragon is an evergreen perennial in zone 9. The pretty plants bloom in late summer and fall. They make great additions to an herb garden or flower bed, and also do well in containers.