Coriander (or cilantro in US English) is an annual herb of the parsley family. Its small flowers are white or pinkish and its dried ripe fruits are the spice known as coriander seed. The crop requires three and one-half to four months to mature. Harvesting takes place when the colour of the seed has changed from green to yellowish-brown. The seed should be fully ripe when harvested. After harvesting the seeds are threshed, dried and stored.