Tag: Or6a2 gene

Research indicates that between 4% and 14% of the population perceive the taste of coriander as unpleasant, with many describing it as soapy. This polarizing sensory experience is not a matter of pickiness but is largely attributed to genetic factors.

A study from 23andMe found that a genetic variation in the OR6A2 gene is linked to the dislike of cilantro. So why do some people taste soap when eating coriander, while others enjoy its fresh, citrusy flavor?

Did you know that up to 14% of the population experiences cilantro as tasting like soap? If you have ever asked, 'why do I taste soap when I eat cilantro?', the answer lies in a fascinating interplay between your genes and the chemical compounds in the herb.

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 research published in the journal *Flavour*, between 4% and 21% of people have a specific genetic predisposition that makes them dislike coriander. This strong aversion is often described as a soapy, metallic, or unpleasant chemical taste, leading many to ask: why don't I like the taste of coriander?

Approximately 4–14% of the population is genetically predisposed to find cilantro repulsive due to specific aldehydes. This raises the question: do super tasters like cilantro, or does their heightened sensitivity amplify the herb's polarizing taste?

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**.

As many as 21% of people of East Asian descent report a strong distaste for cilantro, citing a soapy flavor. This polarizing herb isn't for everyone, and the reasons why some people cannot eat cilantro range from genetic predispositions to rare, but serious, allergic reactions.