Here’s Why Cilantro Tastes Like Soap to Some People

You Should Know: Few foods inspire a greater “love-hate” relationship than cilantro. Some people taste something herby and fresh, while others taste a mouthful of soap. The cilantro debate reveals to us just how differently we can experience the same thing — and our sensory experiences aren’t as universal as we may think. So, why is it that a sprig of cilantro can taste so different from one person to the next? 

Going Deeper: In part, it’s tied to the nose. Our tongues detect basic tastes, while our sense of smell adds much of the complexity to the flavors we experience, as aroma molecules travel from the back of the mouth up through the nasal cavity. 

Takeaway: And there’s a genetic component, too: Research has found a genetic variant that’s associated with a greater likelihood of perceiving cilantro as soapy. This variant is located on chromosome 11, which is home to olfactory genes like OR6A2, a gene involved in how we detect certain chemical compounds in cilantro (called aldehydes). These aldehydes are often added to products to add a fresh, bright scent, including perfume, cleaning products, and (you guessed it) soap. 

Bottom Line: You might not be able to fight a genetic aversion to cilantro, but using only the stems and cooking it first can mellow it.