Tag: Or6a2

According to a 2012 study published in the journal *Flavour*, cilantro dislike varies widely among different ethnocultural groups, with prevalence ranging from just 3% to as high as 21%. The reasons behind this strong aversion are rooted in a combination of genetics and cultural exposure, which influence how individuals perceive the herb's flavor.

Approximately 4-14% of the US population experience cilantro taste aversion, a phenomenon where the fresh herb tastes distinctly like soap or dirt to some individuals due to specific genetic markers. This powerful dislike is more than a simple food preference and has a fascinating scientific basis.

For up to 21% of the population, coriander, also known as cilantro, tastes distinctly like soap. This significant divide in how people perceive the herb is the central issue when asking what is the problem with coriander, highlighting a fascinating intersection of genetics, culture, and personal experience.

An estimated 10% of the population has a specific genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap, providing the scientific explanation for why some of the world's most talented chefs don't like cilantro and ban it from their kitchen. This surprising fact reveals that even professional palates are subject to physiological predispositions.

It's estimated that between 3% and 21% of the population experiences cilantro as a noxious, soapy herb. This polarizing reaction is not simply a matter of personal preference but is rooted in a person's genetic makeup, particularly their olfactory receptors.