Sawtooth Herb

Eryngium foetidum. Sometimes referred to as “long coriander” or “broad leaf coriander,” or by its Mexican name “culantro,” sawtooth herb has long green leaves, like a smaller cousin of romaine lettuce, but with a spiky-looking edging. As its Latin name indicates, it has a strong smell. It’s not used raw, but is added as an aromatic toward the end of cooking and gives a taste somewhat like coriander leaves. It’s usually sold in bundles in Asian grocery stores, often together with other herbs that are used to flavor Vietnamese soups. The Burmese name is Shan nun nun (meaning “Shan coriander”); the northern Thai name is pak pai; in Vietnam it’s ngo om.