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. This genetic quirk is usually only found in a small percent of the population, though it varies geographically.
Cilantro Taste Aversion
Several years back, a team of 23andMe scientists found that there's a “genetic component to cilantro taste perception.” The findings suggested that genetic variants in the olfactory receptors may be what contributes to some people's distaste for cilantro.
One of those genes, OR6A2, encodes a receptor that is highly sensitive to aldehyde chemicals, which contribute to the flavour of coriander. This makes OR6A2 “a compelling candidate gene for the detection of the odours that give it its divisive flavour”, the researchers write.
This gene cluster picks up the scent of aldehyde chemicals. Natural aldehyde chemicals are found in cilantro leaves, and those chemicals are also used during soapmaking. While the OR6A2 gene may cause some people to taste soap when they eat cilantro, there are at least three more genes that seem to be involved.
Some people possess a gene that makes them super-sensitive to the aldehyde component found in cilantro and other foods and products. One study noted a very specific genetic link near the olfactory center of DNA in about 10% of those with cilantro aversion.
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. This genetic quirk is usually only found in a small percent of the population, though it varies geographically.
Cilantro haters are a vocal bunch (an estimated 4-14% of the population), so against the herb that they can't even bear the tiniest taste. And yet, do we know why?
Depending on ancestry, somewhere between 3% and 21% of the population associate it with unpleasant taste, including a combination of soap and vomit, or say that it is similar to the foul smelling odor emitted by stinkbugs.
Cilantro taste aversion is linked to a change in the OR6A2 gene. This is an olfactory receptor gene. Olfactory receptors are responsible for the sense of smell which affects taste also. People who do not like the taste of cilantro are found to have the CC genotype of SNP rs72921001 found in the OR6A2 gene.
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.
"It is estimated that 4 to 14 percent of the U.S. population has this genetic variation, making cilantro taste like soap," says Chef Brooke Baevsky, a manager in product development at Freshly. "For everyone else, the leafy green tastes like a fresh herb."
As many as one in five people says that coriander has a soapy taste. This is likely to be due to a super-sensitivity to chemicals called aldehydes, which are present in coriander and are also used to perfume soaps and detergents.
The study found that there was a common genetic factor that regulated responses to spicy foods. The results revealed that genetic factors accounted for 18% to 58% of the variation in the enjoyment of spicy food, which allowed the researchers to conclude that spice tolerance does have ties to genetics.
While uncommon you're not alone in tasting a soapy flavor when consuming cilantro. The cause of the soapy taste is a specific gene that apparently has been been dormant in you, but that's not uncommon, people can develop allergies or get over them, too.
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.
This aversion is more commonly found in some races and ethnicities than others. A previous study found 21 percent of east Asians, 17 percent of people of European descent, and 14 percent of individuals of African ancestry to say they're not fans of cilantro.
Cilantro and Coriander come from the same plant, but the tastes are very different. If you find you are allergic to cilantro, you are very likely to be allergic to Coriander as well. Cilantro is the leaves and stems, while Coriander is the seeds from the plant flowers.
OR6A2 rs72921001
About 12% of all people worldwide have the 'AA' genotype.
There's no specific cilantro aversion gene, but there are genetic markers for this phenomenon. An AncestryDNA® test could reveal whether you are likely to have a cilantro aversion.
If you can't stomach cilantro or other bitter foods such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts or arugula, you can blame your DNA. "Something as simple as … a really small change in your bitter receptor gene can actually influence how much you like to eat vegetables and how much you do eat vegetables," Hayes says.
' It's these receptors that determine what we taste when we eat coriander. Depending on your smell receptors, you may experience a soap-like flavour, rather than the herby flavour others experience. Coriander is just one food that may drastically differ in taste depending on your genetic make-up.
A 2012 study published in Flavour identified a gene, called OR6A2, that appears to be responsible for the perception of coriander as tasting like soap for some people. Those who have a specific variation of this gene are more likely to have this impression of coriander.
Factors such as habituation, taste memory and association (possibly) also play a role in the love or hate relationship with coriander. If you often eat or smell coriander, you will become familiar with it and there is a higher chance that you will like it. The environment also plays a role in this.
Acid reflux, cavities, oral thrush & dry mouth can all lead to this soapy flavor too. Medications & dietary supplements can also affect how you taste, so be sure to note any new prescriptions & diet when discussing this with your dentist. Finally, while it's not likely, a soapy taste may be the result of poisoning.