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Coriander, together with chamomile, is the main aromatic crop exported by Argentina. Popularly known as “Cilantro”, it belongs to the Apiaciae family and is native to the European Mediterranean, North Africa and Asia.
It is one of the most convenient alternative grains for export, so in this article we tell you everything you need to know to export it to the world.
If you want to know more about this spice and how to market it efficiently and without problems, here we tell you everything, don’t miss it!
Types of coriander marketed in Argentina
There are two types of coriander, the “Moroccan”, for grain harvesting, and the “Russian” for essential oil extraction, which is not very developed in Argentina. In this context, technicians from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) of Buenos Aires, created two national varieties of coriander. Coriandrum sativum, popularly known as coriander, coriander, European coriander, Chinese parsley, dannia or Castilla coriander.
- Wenceslao INTA variety: descends from the “Moroccan” type of coriander seeds and is marketed for the harvesting of alternative grains. The whole or ground coriander grain is used for the preparation of curries, sausages, meals and also in the food, perfume and medicinal industries.
- Quique INTA variety: adapted to the Pampas region of Argentina, achieving good health and high yields. It arises from the crossbreeding of a cultivar of French and North American origin and the Argentine Wenceslao INTA. It is characterized by a longer growing cycle, taller plants and smaller grains than its Argentine sibling.
These seeds are used in food as spices, in dishes or for industrial (for example, in distilleries) or medicinal purposes. Also for the preparation of infusions or herbal teas.
Technical specifications of coriander
Coriander is an annual herbaceous plant, 40 to 60 cm high, with erect, cylindrical, smoothed stems that branch at the top. It has petiolate lower leaves, with wedge-shaped oval segments, while the upper ones have acute segments.
The fruits are globular and oval with a maximum diameter of 6 mm. They have a mild and pleasant odor, strong and spicy flavor. The fruit contains the seeds and the roots, thin and branched, contain the seed oil.
The flowers are white or light pink, with five petals distributed in pairs, with compound leaves with serrated outline.
Here are the quality specifications of coriander:
- Moisture: 11.00% Max.
- Broken grains: 5.0% Max.
- Foreign Matter: 1% Max.
- Black grains: 1% Max.
- Under sieve: 10.00% Max.
- Odor: characteristic.
- Color: uniform.
- Size: 3.25 to 3.5 mm.
Care in conservation and storage
It is important to note that coriander should be stored in a cool, dry place and should not be exposed to light. We also emphasize that this product is Non GMO (genetically modified).
Packaging and shelf life: coriander should be packed in polypropylene bags 25 kg, 50 kg, Big bag and in bulk. Shelf life is two years from the date of processing.
Regarding labeling, each bag must be labeled with the name of the product, net weight of each bag, contract number, processing and expiration date, seller’s data and buyer’s data.
Main destinations where coriander is exported to
Coriander is one of the most important aromatic herbs and spices in the country; it is the second most cultivated and exported species after chamomile.
From 2005 to 2010 Argentina generated a total volume of 6,377 tons in the commercialization of coriander. The three main destinations of production were Brazil (69%), then South Africa (9%) and finally Chile (6%). But they are not the only importing countries, lagging behind are Mexico, Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
Coriander exporting provinces in Argentina
Coriander is one of the spices with the best economic projection, since its cultivation provides high yields and achieves very interesting international prices.
In our country, crops are found mainly in the Pampas region, i.e. Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Cordoba. More specifically, within the province of Buenos Aires, the following districts stand out: Pergamino, San Antonio de Areco, Carmen de Areco, Mercedes, Capilla del Señor, San Andrés de los Giles, Luján, Rojas, Salto and Coronel Suárez.
Production and harvesting period
Coriander is planted between May and July and harvested from late November to mid-December, depending on the production area.
It has been demonstrated that the production of leaves and seeds is higher when irrigation is used, however, this does not considerably increase productivity.
Harvesting can be done 40-60 days after sowing and up to 4 months for the production of mature seed.
Approximate price per ton of coriander
Although the prices of the seeds suffer constant oscillations in the Argentine territory, experts in the subject assure that the prices of coriander are between 400 to 900 dollars per ton and can vary even more.
Requirements to export coriander from Argentina
The commercialization of coriander is a profitable business not only in the national territory, but also in Central American countries, Europe and Asia. If you want to export coriander from Argentina there are some requirements that you must fulfill previously.
The requirements to export are the following:
- To be registered as an exporter with the General Customs Directorate (DGA).
- To be authorized by SENASA for the issuance of phytosanitary products for export.
- Comply with all the documentation required by customs and the agencies of the destination countries.
Export duties
This product is not subject to the so-called “withholding taxes” levied on goods destined for export. Therefore, it represents an opportunity for companies that want to export, and a 1% export refund is applied.
SENASA – National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality
In order to export plants, their products, by-products and derivatives (non-food in a direct way), active principles and agrochemical and biological products, the exporter must give intervention to the National Service of Health and Agrifood Quality (SENASA) for the purposes of phytosanitary control and control, being the export authorized.
The commercial opportunities of coriander in Argentina are very interesting, if you still have doubts about how to export coriander from Argentina we invite you to contact us so that we can give you advice on the subject.
Click here to talk to one of our advisors and start exporting coriander as soon as possible!