Family medicine specialist Neha Vyas, MD, says cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the most polarizing herbs used in modern cooking. Why? Because to some people, cilantro tastes like soap — and there’s a scientific reason for it.
If you can’t stand the taste of cilantro, your genes may be to blame. You likely have a specific gene called OR6A2 that makes you super-sensitive to a component of this herb — and, yes, can make it taste like soap.
“Those who dislike cilantro tend to have this gene, which detects the aldehyde part of cilantro as a soapy smell and taste,” Dr. Vyas explains.
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The way cilantro smells and tastes to you may be based on your genes. But there’s an important catch.
“Unlike other fixed genetic traits, like eye or hair color, your cilantro preference can be changed by environmental factors,” Dr. Vyas says.
That’s right. Over time, your brain can actually overcome its genetic predisposition toward disliking cilantro.
Having good experiences with cilantro can eventually change your brain’s perception of it.