Tag: Cilantro genetics

According to a study published in the journal *Flavour*, a genetic variant near a cluster of olfactory receptor genes is associated with detecting a soapy taste in cilantro. This discovery confirms the hereditary component behind cilantro aversion, yet many still ask, can my taste for cilantro change? The answer is a fascinating mix of nature and nurture, indicating that while your genes set a baseline, your perception isn't necessarily fixed.

An estimated 4 to 14 percent of the American population has a genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap. The divisive nature of this popular herb has been a source of culinary debate for years, with a strong biological reason behind the aversion for many.

According to a study published in the journal *Flavour*, between 3% and 21% of people across various ethnic groups report a dislike for the herb cilantro. This polarizing reaction, particularly the perception that it tastes like soap, is not a matter of pickiness but a fascinating biological and genetic phenomenon that explains **why can't some people eat cilantro**.