Soapy Tasting Cilantro Why Cilantro Tastes Soapy

People who report that "cilantro tastes bad" have a variation of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to detect aldehydes—a compound found in cilantro that is also a by-product of soap and part of the chemical makeup of fluids sprayed by some bugs. ...

Why does cilantro taste soapy?
What percentage of the population thinks cilantro tastes like soap?
What genetic marker makes cilantro taste soapy?
Why does food taste soapy?
Why does babish Hate Cilantro?
What can you substitute for cilantro?
What ethnicity hates cilantro?
Why does cilantro taste bad to some?
Do supertasters like cilantro?
Can I learn to like cilantro?

Why does cilantro taste soapy?

Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. These people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.

What percentage of the population thinks cilantro tastes like soap?

When people say they hate cilantro, they often attribute this food feeling to a soapy aftertaste. Thanks to a new video from SciShow, we finally know why cilantro tastes like soap for some 4-14 percent of the population. "How cilantro tastes to you has a lot to do with your genes," says SciShow's Hank Green.

What genetic marker makes cilantro taste soapy?

OR26A is the genetic SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that makes cilantro taste like soap to some people: bitter and excruciating — almost painfully metallic and horrible.

Why does food taste soapy?

These foods may not taste good to you, but a soapy taste from either food isn't cause for alarm. However, when a soapy taste in your mouth lasts for several hours or days, it's usually a symptom of overexposure to sodium fluoride. This condition may be serious.

Why does babish Hate Cilantro?

In his Basics video for Chicken Tikka Masala, he mentions his dislike of cilantro as an "affliction", which means he seems to be aware of the genetic condition.

What can you substitute for cilantro?

The Best Substitutes for Fresh Coriander Leaf (Cilantro)

Parsley. Parsley is a bright green herb that happens to be in the same family as cilantro. ...
Basil. Though basil will change the flavor of some dishes, it works well when substituting cilantro in certain cases. ...
Herb Mixtures.

What ethnicity hates cilantro?

Ashkenazi Jews display a propensity to dislike cilantro, but even within that community it is apparently about one in seven who hate it.

Why does cilantro taste bad to some?

Do supertasters like cilantro?

Cilantro, famously, is a turn off for supertasters. They taste the bitterness in it that others do not. Supertasters are very averse to any kind of bitter tastes. They tend not to like grapefruit juice, black coffee, alcohol and spinach.

Can I learn to like cilantro?

Get used to it!

If you're interested in seeing whether you can get over your cilantro aversion, it's certainly possible. Just ask the neuroscientist in McGee's piece, who also happens to be an expert in smell. McGee notes that crushing cilantro may help eliminate its more soapy aroma substances.