Is Cilantro Acidic? Cilantro and Acid Reflux

Medically reviewed by Aneeza Pervez Updated Date: January 2, 2026

Cilantro, a popular herb used worldwide, is celebrated for its refreshing flavor and impressive health benefits. However, for individuals managing acid reflux, the question arises: is cilantro acidic, and can it aggravate reflux symptoms? The good news is that cilantro is not considered acidic, making it a potentially safe addition to an acid reflux-friendly diet. In this article, we’ll dive into cilantro’s acidity, nutritional profile, and its effects on acid reflux, while offering practical tips to enjoy this herb without discomfort.

Understanding Cilantro’s Acidity

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is a mild and versatile herb that is not inherently acidic. With a generally neutral to slightly alkaline pH, it is unlikely to trigger acid reflux symptoms in most individuals. Cilantro’s alkalizing nature may even help neutralize stomach acid, making it a soothing option for people prone to acid reflux.

From a chemical perspective, foods with a pH above 7 are considered alkaline, while those below 7 are acidic. Cilantro falls closer to the neutral range, especially when consumed fresh. Unlike acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, cilantro does not stimulate excessive stomach acid production, making it a gentle choice for sensitive stomachs.

Author Tip: 7 Kinds of Foods to Avoid with GERD

Cilantro and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This condition can cause uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and regurgitation. While the relationship between specific foods and reflux varies from person to person, cilantro is generally regarded as a reflux-friendly herb.

Why Cilantro May Be Beneficial?

According to the research, cilantro is a medicinal plant:

Alkalizing Properties
Cilantro’s mildly alkalizing effect can balance stomach acidity, potentially reducing the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms. Incorporating cilantro into meals may help soothe the digestive system.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Rich in compounds like quercetin, polyphenols, and beta-carotene, cilantro has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce irritation in the esophagus and stomach lining, offering relief from reflux-related discomfort.
Rich in Nutrients
Cilantro provides essential vitamins such as A, C, and K, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium. These nutrients contribute to overall digestive health and may help alleviate symptoms of GERD.
Supports Digestive Health
Cilantro has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestion and relieve bloating. Its natural carminative properties can ease gas and promote smoother digestion, which is particularly beneficial for those with acid reflux.

By adding cilantro to your diet, you may experience relief from reflux symptoms while enjoying its unique flavor and health benefits.

How to Include Cilantro in an Acid Reflux-Friendly Diet

If you are cautious about managing your acid reflux symptoms, you can safely incorporate cilantro into your meals by following these strategies.

1. Use Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro is the best way to maximize its health benefits. Adding it as a garnish to dishes like soups, salads, or rice ensures you enjoy its mild, alkalizing properties.

2. Blend into Smoothies

For a refreshing twist, cilantro can be blended into green smoothies. Pair it with other reflux-friendly ingredients such as cucumber, spinach, and almond milk to create a soothing and nutrient-packed drink.

3. Pair with Low-Acid Foods

Combine cilantro with alkaline or low-acid foods like quinoa, lentils, or roasted vegetables to keep your meals reflux-friendly. Avoid mixing cilantro with high-acid foods like tomatoes or spicy peppers, which can worsen symptoms.

4. Avoid Overly Spicy Pairings

While cilantro itself is mild, pairing it with spicy or heavily seasoned foods may irritate the stomach and trigger reflux. Stick to gentle, balanced recipes for optimal results.

By using cilantro thoughtfully, you can enjoy its flavor without compromising your digestive health.

Author Tip: 7-Day Meal Plan For Gastritis

Cilantro Recipes for Acid Reflux

Adding cilantro to your meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are two simple, reflux-friendly recipes to get you started:

1. Cilantro-Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
A pinch of sea salt
Lemon zest (optional, if tolerated)

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. This light and refreshing salad is perfect as a side dish and supports digestion.

2. Cilantro Pesto

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
1 clove garlic (optional, if tolerated)

Instructions
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Use this vibrant pesto as a spread on whole-grain bread or as a topping for roasted vegetables.

These recipes allow you to enjoy cilantro’s flavor while supporting your digestive health.

When to Avoid Cilantro?

Although cilantro is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to the herb. If you experience symptoms like nausea, bloating, or worsening reflux after consuming cilantro, it’s best to limit or avoid it. Additionally, some people find the taste of cilantro unappealing due to a genetic variation that makes it taste soapy.

If you’re unsure whether cilantro is suitable for your diet, consult a healthcare professional or dietitian. Monitoring your symptoms after introducing cilantro into your meals can also help determine its effects on your reflux.

Conclusion

Cilantro is not acidic and is a safe, reflux-friendly herb for most individuals. Its alkalizing properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and ability to support digestion make it a valuable addition to an acid reflux-friendly diet. By incorporating cilantro into meals thoughtfully and avoiding overly acidic or spicy pairings, you can enjoy its flavor and health benefits without triggering discomfort.

For individuals managing acid reflux, cilantro offers a refreshing and versatile way to enhance meals. Whether used fresh in salads or blended into nutrient-packed smoothies, cilantro can be a gentle, flavorful option for supporting digestive health.

If you are uncertain about cilantro’s effects on your acid reflux, start with small amounts and monitor your symptoms. With its numerous benefits and mild nature, cilantro can be a delicious ally in your journey to better digestion and overall wellness.

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Upside-Down Pear Cake and Second Chances

Dessert

Christiana George

Updated Date:
June 8, 2023

Maybe it was because I felt like jumping ahead into fall when I picked up a couple pounds of Clapp and Bosc pears at the farmer’s market last weekend. Or maybe I found myself suddenly taken by their ladylike curves and freckled complexions. Charming and modest, and so delicately scented, pears are a graceful fruit, are they not?

Of course, once I got home, I realized I had absolutely no idea what to do with them. The thing is, I’ve never actually liked pears. I’ve never really even eaten one except for Asian pears which, as I understand, are completely different from all other varieties. My one encounter with a non-Asian pear was in college and it turned me off from eating them ever again. It had been a Bartlett—they were always available in the cafeteria—and its texture was strange and mushy and so different from the crispness and juiciness I was used to.

This recipe has restored my belief in pears. And apparently all I had to do was bake the fruit into a cake as beautiful-tasting as it smells. Also, I think I’ve found a variety that I like! For all of you who feel the same about pears as me, try a Bosc, which is pleasingly crisp. They’re the slender and tall ones the color of… well, autumn.

This cake is moist and tender, so moist and tender that parts of it melt in the mouth. I kind of love it. And I keep cutting off slices, teeny slices sure, but slices nonetheless. (I’m worried that unless some higher power intervenes, I’m going to eat most of it by myself.) And as my first upside-down cake, there was a certain giddiness that overcame me when it plopped out, perfectly.

I see this cake as a precursor for what’s to come in the next few months: lots of cinnamon-y ginger-y baked goods greedily consumed piping hot from the oven. And chai tea, and the pleasant crunching of leaves, and the crispness to the air. I am looking forward to the upcoming season.

As far as what varieties of pears to use, the recipe recommends Bosc all the way, but I thought the very ripe Clapp pears I used worked really well for the cake batter, mostly because they were so ripe and soft and juicy.

The recipe actually also called for baking the cake in an oven-proof skillet, but I opted for a regular 9″ cake pan and it was spectacular! I also ended up using only about 1-2/3 pounds of pears, I omitted the orange zest, and finally, I made my own crystallized ginger by cooking fresh minced ginger and sugar together for a couple minutes. The process caramelizes the sugar, which tastes wonderful, but hardens quickly, so you either need to mix the stuff into the batter quickly or, like me, pull out your mortar and pestle and grind up the hardened mixture.

Enjoy! I promise it makes a fantastic breakfast as well (if eating sugary baked goods first thing in the morning is your kind of thing, which it is for me!).

UPSIDE-DOWN PEAR CAKE

Adapted from Bi-Rite Market
Makes one 9-inch cake

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

2/3 cup sugar + 1/4 cup for making crystallized ginger

1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup fresh ginger, minced
1 T water

1 cup grated peeled pears, about 2 medium (I used Clapp pears)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter and pour evenly into pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Arrange pear slices in flower design atop sugar.

Whisk flour, 2/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Whisk eggs, oil, vanilla and ginger mixture in large bowl to blend. In a small saucepan, combine the ginger, sugar, and water. Turn heat onto medium-low and begin stirring the mixture. It should start bubbling and reducing, and after about 2 minutes, turn the heat off and immediately pour the mixture into the egg mixture. Mix in grated pears. Mix dry ingredients into egg mixture.

Carefully pour batter over pears in pan. Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool cake still in pan on rack 20 minutes (very important! The top of cake needs to set). Run knife around pan to loosen. Place plate on pan over cake. Invert cake onto plate. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if it pleases you.