FlavScents AInsights Entry: Coriander Seed
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Coriander seed
- CAS Number: N/A
- FEMA Number: 2334
- Other Identifiers: FL/FR No. 2321
- Material Type: Natural complex material (essential oil)
- Source: Derived from the seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant
- Key Constituents: Linalool, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, camphor, geranyl acetate
Coriander seed oil is a natural complex material obtained from the seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant. It is characterized by a diverse composition of terpenes and alcohols, with linalool being the predominant constituent. The composition of coriander seed oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Coriander seed oil is known for its distinctive, spicy, and slightly sweet aroma with citrusy undertones. The odor is often described as warm and nutty, with a hint of orange peel. In terms of flavor, it imparts a warm, spicy, and slightly peppery taste, often used to add depth and complexity to culinary dishes.
The sensory role of coriander seed oil is typically as a background realism note or a modifier in both flavor and fragrance formulations. Its intensity can vary, but it is generally considered to have a moderate diffusion and a pleasant, lingering finish.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Coriander seed oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the Coriandrum sativum plant, which is widely cultivated in regions such as India, Morocco, and Eastern Europe. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried seeds.
The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds occurs naturally within the seeds as they mature. The oil is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material, aligning with consumer preferences for natural product designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Coriander seed oil is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including savory, spice blends, and citrus profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing warmth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust applications like spice blends.
The oil is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, though it can be sensitive to prolonged exposure to heat and light, which may lead to oxidation and loss of aroma quality.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, coriander seed oil is incorporated into various fragrance families, including oriental, woody, and citrus compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing a warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy aroma.
Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, but it is often used at levels of 0.1% to 1% depending on the desired intensity and role within the fragrance. The oil is considered to have moderate volatility, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Linalool: 60-70%
- α-Pinene: 5-10%
- γ-Terpinene: 5-10%
- Camphor: 2-5%
- Geranyl Acetate: 1-3%
The composition of coriander seed oil can vary based on factors such as origin, harvest time, and processing methods. Linalool is the primary constituent, contributing significantly to the oil's characteristic aroma and flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; assigned FL number 2321.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Generally recognized in Japan and China, with specific use levels varying by country.
- Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions across the region.
Coriander seed oil is widely accepted for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with specific regulatory approvals varying by region.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Coriander seed oil is generally considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications. For oral exposure, it is recognized as GRAS with an established ADI. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is typically well-tolerated, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization.
Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling to prevent irritation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Coriander seed oil is valued for its ability to impart warmth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with citrus, spice, and woody notes, enhancing the overall profile of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired depth.
Formulators should consider the oil's stability and potential for oxidation, employing antioxidants if necessary to preserve quality.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on coriander seed oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in composition due to natural factors is acknowledged. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1-9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-02-13 10:05:46 GMT (p2)