Parsley vs. Cilantro: What's the Difference?

Have you ever bought a bunch of parsley, only to realize you accidentally grabbed cilantro—or vice versa? You're not alone. It's worth learning how to tell the difference between parsley vs. cilantro, as the herbs look strikingly similar but have significantly different flavors, which can affect your final dish. Learn how to tell these two tender bright green herbs apart, their different uses, and whether you can substitute one for the other.

The Differences Between Parsley and Cilantro Parsley is a tender herb that's part of the carrot family. It's grown for its leaves and is thought to originate in the eastern Mediterranean. The most common varieties include flat leaf (Italian), curly, and root or Hamburg parsley, the latter of which resembles young parsnips.

Cilantro, which is often called coriander outside of North America, is native to southern Europe and Asia. It's also part of the carrot family, so it's related to parsley. However, unlike parsley, the cilantro plant is grown for both its leaves and seeds. In the U.S., the leaves and stalks, are used as an herb and known as cilantro or Chinese parsley; the seeds are known as coriander and used as a spice.

Parsely: "From stem to leaf, parsley is a thicker and sturdier herb than cilantro," says Celine Beitchman, chef and director of nutrition at the Institute of Culinary Education. Thus, it can better withstand heat during cooking, though it should generally still be added toward the end of the process to preserve its flavor.

Cilantro: Compared to parsley, cilantro is more delicate. It doesn't stand up well to heat, as the stems are leaves are soft and fragile.

Parsely: The physical features depend on the variety, but generally, parsley has long stems and dark green leaves, says Christiane Matey, chef, dietitian, and founder of Mint Nutrition. Additionally, "both flat and curly parsley have teardrop-shaped leaves that branch off into three forked sections," says Beitchman. In flat parsley, each leafy section ends in jagged, pointed tips, whereas curly parsley has ruffled leaves that curl in on themselves, adds Beitchman.

Cilantro: "Cilantro leaves share the same general silhouette as flat parsley leaves, [so] the two can be confused at first sight," says Beitchman. However, cilantro leaves are rounder and more scalloped along the edges, she notes. The herb also has a light grey-green hue, unlike the darker green colors of parsley.

Parsely: "Parsley has a grassy odor that's clean, bright, and fresh," per Beitchman. Its scent is also less intense than cilantro.

Cilantro: How the scent of cilantro is described depends on who you ask. To some people, cilantro has an earthy, spicy, and citrusy scent, per Matey. But to others, the herb smells like soap or dirt. This is due to a genetic reason, according to research.

: "Parsley has a simple peppery flavor, like arugula, with hints of bright grass and a touch of bitterness," explains Matey. Plus, compared to cilantro, parsley is less likely to cause an intense aversion. For that reason, it is often recommended as an alternative to cilantro.

Cilantro: Since odor directly affects how you perceive taste, the flavor of cilantro can vary between people. If cilantro smells like soap or dirt to you, it will taste similar. In contrast, if you're unable to detect the soapy smell, the herb will likely taste fresh, bright, pungent, and citrusy. Needless to say, the flavor of cilantro is one of the most polarizing topics in the culinary world.

Parsley: As a rich source of antioxidants, parsley is a healthy addition to meals. It also contains essential nutrients like vitamins A, K, and C, as well as folate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, according to Matey. In terms of health benefits, the herb has been shown to reduce inflammation, reduce bad breath, relieve constipation, and support immune function, says Matey.

Cilantro: Cilantro is a source of antioxidant flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and potassium, says Matey. It has many benefits for the body, as it can help lower blood sugar and reduce heavy metals in the body, she adds.

Using Parsley vs. Cilantro "Parsley is used in [many] cuisines across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, where it adds brightness and balance to dishes," says Beitchman. Cilantro is a staple in Mexican and Asian cuisine, per the experts at Pennsylvania State University . The herb's intense fragrance balances hot and sweet spices in a way that parsley cannot, says Beitchman.

Regardless of the dish, parsley and cilantro are often used in similar ways: as a garnish for added color, flavor, and texture. However, parsley can also be added to recipes during the cooking process or dried for long-term storage. As the more delicate herb, cilantro is seldom cooked or dried, as doing so can reduce its flavor and color.

Can You Substitute One for the Other? In general, yes, you can use substitute parsley with cilantro (and vice versa). This is especially true if you're using the herbs to garnish a dish, as both options will add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Consider the ingredients of your recipe and let your taste buds inspire your decision. If you're craving a grassy, somewhat bitter flavor, go for parsley. If it's a bright citrusy taste you're after, choose cilantro.

Of course, the exception is if you dislike cilantro. In this case, it's recommended to use parsley in place of cilantro.