Cilantro is synonymous with recipes that hail from a variety of cultures, adding a citrusy, peppery punch to salsas, chutneys, soups and salads.
But the flavor of this versatile herb is divisive, to say the least. While most people consider cilantro to have a fresh, citrusy flavor, others may perceive the aroma and flavor of cilantro as pungent and bitter. And, if you’re someone who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, we’re here to confirm there’s a simple explanation behind it: your genetics.
From the essential vitamins and minerals cilantro contains, to the science behind why some people might have an aversion to it, here’s everything you need to know.
What nutrients does cilantro contain?
Cilantro is a great source of a few essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K and folate (vitamin B9), all of which are beneficial for heart health, says Lori Welstead, a registered dietitian at University of Chicago Medicine. Vitamin C, in particular, contains antioxidant properties that work to neutralize inflammation-inducing free radicals, she says.
Cilantro also contains a variety of minerals – many of which you’d see as ingredients in electrolyte drinks – such as potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium and phosphorus, says Welstead.
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Why does cilantro taste like soap?
Most people consider cilantro to have a vibrant, citrusy flavor, though some people do have a particular sensitivity to the herb. It’s more than just personal preference – if you’re someone who believes the taste and smell of cilantro to be particularly soapy or bitter, blame your genetics.
It’s estimated that dislike for cilantro hovers somewhere between 3% to 21%, with the likelihood largely depending on what ethnocultural group you belong to, according to a 2012 observational study. But what’s the science behind it?
Cilantro contains natural compounds called aldehydes. These compounds affect the body’s olfactory receptors, which are proteins that play an important role in your sense of smell. There’s evidence to suggest some people have a genetic variant in the OR6A2 gene, which causes the olfactory receptors to be hyper-sensitive to cilantro’s aldehydes. And while we still don’t fully understand the exact mechanism behind this, the result is that some people are more likely to think cilantro has a soapy aroma and flavor.
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Can you get over cilantro dislike?
If you’re someone with a staunch dislike for cilantro, you might be wondering: Is it possible to overcome cilantro tasting like soap?
The short answer is possibly, but because this phenomenon is likely tied to your genetics, it might not be attainable for everyone.
There are, however, lots of little ways you can add cilantro into your diet, as both a garnish or central ingredient in a recipe. And it can certainly be one of the 30 different types of plants you eat throughout the week to support your microbiome, says Welstead.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why does cilantro taste like soap? And what nutrients does it offer?
