Fresh cilantro tastes pungent, bright, lemony, and a little peppery. With its sweet, bright aroma, fresh cilantro is essential in many Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian recipes. The leaves can be enjoyed raw or cooked. It adds excellent flavor to salads, salsa, chutney, pesto, sauces, dips, and dressings. It's most commonly added just before a dish is served or as a garnish on top because heat diminishes its flavor. Its assertive taste stands up well to mild-flavored foods like pork, chicken, fish, and shellfish. It's the key to a kickin' salsa!