You're either team cilantro, or team no-cilantro; there's really no in-between. People who don't like cilantro often find it tastes like soap, something the other side can't understand. How can that be?
Several studies have been conducted on this.
Twins
One of the studies suggests that liking or disliking cilantro is genetically determined. In this study, identical twins either both liked cilantro or both disliked it. This did not appear to be the case for fraternal twins.
Soap scum and mold
Another study asked 14,000 people about their taste perception of coriander. People who like coriander describe the taste as fresh and citrusy. Those who dislike it find it tastes like soap or mold. Why is that?
Genes
Researchers discovered that people who dislike cilantro possess a specific gene (called OR6A2). This gene helps you smell certain chemicals, such as the chemical E-(2)-decenal found in cilantro. People who like cilantro do not possess this gene and simply cannot smell the scent. Therefore, they don't perceive the soapy or musty smell and taste. This article was written by Bart (37). Bart is a health expert in a village in the east of the country. He strongly believes that a healthy lifestyle contributes positively to a healthy weight and an energetic life. He also doesn't mind (a pragmatic view of) spirituality. He regularly provides us with new insights that he also incorporates into his daily life with his young family. Photo: Tomasz Olszewski via Unsplash
