harvesting cilantro/coriander seed

[Jodi]

I have never collected seed from my cilantro before. My winter cilantro finally bolted and are loaded with seed. I'm wanting to be able to use the seed for planting in the future.

Three things I'm wandering:
1.) is there anything that might have cross-pollinated with these plants?
2.) At what stage do I harvest the seed pods from the plants?
And, 3.) Is there any cure time needed?

Thanks for helping me out on this. . . no need for waste!
Of course, if nothing else I can eat them.

[goldpearl]

Jodi,
I let the seeds dry on the plants and pick them off. They fall off easily and will reseed naturally if you just leave them to their own. I like to use some seed in cooking too. You can use a coffee grinder to grind them to a powder, easier if you roast them first. Just stir them in a hot skillet for a few minutes. I don't think they cross pollinate?
As long as they are dry they should be cured enough. I hope this helps.

[Jodi]

Hmmmm. . .looking like somethig is either kiddnapping or there falling off before they are dry? Any other ideas?

Yes, using as coriander seeds. . .yum yum!

[goldpearl]

I have no idea, Jodi. Grasshoppers? Maybe there is a critter around who thinks they are yummy too! Mine have always stayed on the dying stalks long enough for me to pick plenty for myself. I grow some in pots on the porch, too. The seeds there are usually cleaner and easier to check. Do you want me to send you some? I have lots of them.

[Jodi]

Well, at this time I have plenty of Cilantro seed just thought while it appears to be pure that I'd save some more. Thanks though! :o

Tropical storm Cindy has been hitting us with plenty of rain. So between the light rains we had yesterday I pulled some of the plants, along with my Roqoutte Arugula, to try to save some seed. So my livingroom has an aromatic sheet of plants taking up part of the floor space. Thankful for a large livingroom! some of the cilantro seeds are turning, some still green, but I will see; I just pulled the whole plants up. Same with the arugula; however, some pods where dry enough to start coming off.

I think I have it figured out. . .no grasshoppers really here for right now. sometime these tropical storms bring us interesting critters. anyway, Im thinking that with some of the heavy rains that we have had over the last several weeks that the force has just knocked the "starter" right off the plants before it even has time to mature enough to be anything. Could be wrong, but that is what i'm thinking at the moment.

thanks for trying to help and also offering some seed. I appreciate that! :o
Jodi