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.
Through these studies, scientists were able to point out the fact that most cilantro haters shared a particular group of olfactory receptor genes called OR6A2 that has the capacity to identify the smell of aldehyde chemicals that are present in coriander leaves as well as soaps.
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.
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? Why Do Some People Hate Cilantro?
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.
OR6A2 is a smell receptor that binds strongly with aldehydes like T2D, which can make cilantro taste like soap to sensitive people. Thus, researchers believe that higher expression of OR6A2 could have to do with sensitivity to cilantro [R, R, R].
Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. 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.
In the 23andMe study, we found that 14-21 percent of people of East Asian, African, and Caucasian ancestry disliked cilantro while only 3-to-7 percent of those who identified as South Asian, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern disliked it.
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's in Your Genes
After surveying nearly 30,000 people, the scientists singled it down to the OR6A2 gene. This gene “codes for the receptor that picks up the scent of aldehyde chemicals” — these chemicals are found in cilantro and soap, which is why many people anecdotally say cilantro tastes like soap.
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.
So how common is it to hate cilantro? According to one study, it can vary widely depending on your ethnic background, but the answer lies somewhere between 4-21% of the population.
Blame it on your genes — and your surroundings
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.
Used by the ancient Chinese to cure digestive complaints and by Ayurveda to treat many conditions, coriander can significantly help to control the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and any other aliment having to do with your stomach.
Dr Alison Jones is a food biology expert from the University of New South Wales. She says there could be a genetic reason behind some people's coriander intolerance. “Coriander has a series of aldehyde compounds, in particular the E-2-alkenals which are often described as soapy or fatty,” she explained.
Variation in the OR6A2 gene has been identified as a likely cause of why some people enjoy the smell and taste of coriander (also known as cilantro) while others have exactly the opposite reaction to the point of repulsion.
"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."
Cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley or Mexican parsley and is found in many Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian dishes. The general consensus among cilantro haters is that the herb tastes soapy, which is the case for about 4 to 14 percent of the population — famously including Julia Child and Ina Garten.
These individuals say that cilantro smells pungent and leaves a rather soapy taste in the mouth. This is different from the strong citrus notes that others taste. “[The genetic variant] OR6A2 may be the olfactory receptor gene that contributes to the identification of soapy smell.
Eriksson and his team calculate that less than 10% of coriander preference is due to common genetic variants. “It is possible that the heritability of cilantro preference is just rather low,” they say. Setting aside hypothetical hopes of a biological fix, those who hate coriander have two options: avoid or adulterate.
When people say they hate cilantro, they often attribute this food feeling to a soapy aftertaste. Thanks to a video from SciShow, we finally know why cilantro tastes like soap for some 4-14 percent of the population. “How cilantro tastes to you has a lot to do with your genes,” says SciShow's Hank Green.
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.
Cilantro, famously, is a turn off for supertasters. They taste the bitterness in it that others do not. Supertasters are very averse to any kind of bitter tastes.
The prevalence of dislike ranged from 3 to 21%. The proportion of subjects classified as disliking cilantro was 21% for East Asians, 17% for Caucasians, 14% for those of African descent, 7% for South Asians, 4% for Hispanics, and 3% for Middle Eastern subjects.
While cilantro's citrusy flavor is pretty controversial (it can taste like soap to some people), coriander seeds are much more mellow (think: warm, aromatic and slightly sweet). Coriander still has a hint of citrus in there but also a slight curry flavor.