ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION OF CILANTRO

Leaf oil was isolated from two commercial samples of cilantro (Coriand rum sativum L.) and from growth-chamber-grown plants at five different stages of growth. The oils were analyzed by GC/MS. They were found to be composed mainly of C-10-C-16 aldehydes. (E)-2-Alkenals predominate d. Substantial quantitative differences were observed between the two cilantro samples and in the leaf oils isolated at, different growth st ages. The data indicate that cilantro oil may exhibit significant vari ation in composition due to ontogenic factors, The data also suggest a possible link among growth stage, oil composition, and consumer prefe rence.