Ancient Egyptian and Sanskrit texts document the use of coriander for more than 3,000 years. The Chinese once believed the herb conferred immortality and in the Middle Ages it was put into love potions as an aphrodisiac. The seeds have a citrus flavor when crushed, almost lemon like. Coriander seeds are sometimes used in brewing certain styles of beer, particularly some Belgian wit bier and German Hefewiezens. When brewing wheat beers they are typically used with orange peel to add a citrus character to the beer.

The coriander seed is priced per ounce.