The seeds of coriander are almost ovate globular and there are many longitudinal ridges on the surface. The length of the seed is 3–5 mm and color, when dried, is usually brown, but may be green, straw-colored or off white. Generally, the seed is sell sun dried and made available for both whole and ground.

Coriander seeds are the dried fruit of the plant also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley - a member of the parsley family. The origins of the name 'coriander' trace back to the ancient Mycenaean Greek word koriannon.