This variety of the aromatic plant, the leaves and seeds of which are used as culinary herbs, comes with the dragon tag for the seeds are imported from China.
Forget all those made-in-China cheap toys and electronic gadgets that have flooded Indian markets, what's in vogue this sparse season is Chinese coriander.
This variety of the aromatic plant, the leaves and seeds of which are used as culinary herbs, comes with the dragon tag for the seeds are imported from China.
For the local vendors, it comes cheap, and in large quantity. "What else is required for Chinese certification," they ask.
At a time when veggie prices are sky-rocketing, and indigenous coriander is disappearing from retail shops, the Chinese coriander has come as a welcome relief and is much in demand.
It also comes at less than half the price, compared to the home-grown variety.
"Homemakers, who were reluctant in purchasing coriander because of its high prices, are happy. While Indian coriander is priced at Rs 50-80 per bunch, the Chinese variety comes as cheap as Rs 25-30 per bunch," said Rajesh Mahale, a vendor at Navi Mumbai. "Unlike other vegetable items, people don't want to spend much on coriander and other curry leaves," he added.
Not just the vendors, the farmers too have taken a liking for the Chinese coriander.
"Chinese coriander will yield three consecutive crops from one-time sowing. It is harvested by cutting the stem from near to its roots. The plant will regrow in no time. Indian coriander, however, could be harvested only once as they are uprooted and gathered," said Nanasaheb Patil, chairman of Agriculture Product Market Committee, Lasalgaon.
"Also, the yield from the Chinese variety is high," said Patil confirming that Chinese coriander seeds are hybrid and imported.
According to Deepak Gujar, another vendor, there are stark differences between the Indian and Chinese coriander. Chinese coriander, which comes mostly brought from Gujarat and parts of Nasik, is mostly bought by hoteliers and Chinese restaurants. "Chinese coriander leaves are large in size and slightly different in shape. Also they are not strong in aroma when compared to Indian variety," he said.
"However, the buyers compare the prices and calculate their budget and leave with Chinese coriander. There are hardly any takers for Indian variety, though we do keep them," said Gujar wondering whom should be blamed for the trend. "Drought and delayed monsoon have left an impact on the market. Consumer is left with no other option but to be content with Chinese coriander," he said.
Reshami Bhagat, a resident of Thane, said that they are buying less vegetable and spending more nowadays. "Earlier, I used to buy Indian coriander. My household budget is going haywire due to skyrocketing vegetables prices. We know that the Chinese coriander will not give the taste and aroma of India coriander. But, at least we get the satisfaction seeing dishes garnished with these leaves," she said.
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