Does cilantro taste like soap to you? Here's why it does to some people
Cilantro, a strong and distinctive herb frequently used in Latin American, Asian and Indian cuisine, provides a fresh and citrusy flavor to a variety of dishes... but to some, it tastes like soap.
Luckily, it can be replaced with other ingredients in recipes. Here's a look at why it tastes different to some people.
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Does cilantro taste like soap?
Yes. Some people find cilantro to taste like soap — and apparently it's genetic. According to Live Science, between 3 and 21% of people, depending on their geographical location, dislike cilantro due to its "soapy" taste.
A study by 23andMe, which surveyed thousands and their cilantro preferences, revealed the OR6A2 gene, a smell-receptor gene cluster that "bind(s) to aldehydes that give cilantro its specific odor," as the common denominator in respondents who don't like the herb.
Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology and gastrophysicist at the University of Oxford, told Live Science that people aren't sure which of the "many volatile aromatics" cause some to find a soapy taste and smell in cilantro, but it "seems to be some of these cilantro-specific aldehydes," according to the outlet.
you might be having a bad day, but just remember, there’s someone out there who has the cilantro soap gene and at least you’re not them
— [email protected] (@bb_apes) May 12, 2022
What is the cilantro soap gene?
The "cilantro soap gene" is a genetic factor that makes cilantro taste and smell like soap. A study from 23andMe reveals the OR6A2 gene as a possible cause for some people's distinct cilantro tastebuds.
Why does cilantro taste like soap?
Cilantro tastes like soap to some people due to a common taste and smell genetic variants. See the video below for more.
What should cilantro taste like?
According to Eat Live Learn, cilantro has a citrusy, fresh flavor and provides various vitamins and minerals from magnesium to iron to Vitamins K, C and A. It also supports the body when it comes to heart health, digestion, blood sugar and more.
Cilantro is often used in Mexican and Latin American dishes like guacamole and salsa and makes the perfect garnish for tacos and huevos rancheros.
How do you know if you have the cilantro gene?
Genetic testing sites like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer tests to determine genetic predispositions to dislike cilantro. According to Live Science, cilantro preference is likely hereditary and varies by ethnic background.
How to eliminate cilantro from recipes
According to Gardening Know How, the strong cilantro taste can be lessened by crushing the leaves. By doing so, enzymes are released which break down the aldehydes that are pungent to some consumers. Cilantro can also be replaced in many recipes with other herbs.
What is the closest flavor to cilantro?
Many cilantro substitutes can be easily added to any recipe, according to The Spice House. Pasley is a top recommendation for a fresh, grassy flavor, along with basil and dill.
Alternatives to cilantro when cooking
The Spice House recommends alternatives like:
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why does cilantro taste like soap? What you can use in your recipes instead
