Why Don’t You Like Cilantro?

There may be something wrong with you

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

Yesterday, I watched the British show Dish Podcast, which featured singer, actress, and true American queen, Vanessa Williams. While discussing food, her mention of cilantro as her favorite herb was met with wincing and talk of something tasting like “soap.” Both Ms. Williams and I became defensive.

“What is wrong with these people?” I said.

Cilantro is a delicious, lemon-peppery herb that can only improve everything it touches.

I decided to stop being so judgy and conducted two minutes of intense research for answers. It turns out there is a genetic reason why some people detest the taste of cilantro.

Blame the Aldehydes

When cilantro (leaves of the coriander plant) is crushed or chopped, it releases an organic compound called aldehydes, which is similar to the aldehydes found in soap. If you have a variation of olfactory-receptor genes that causes you to pick up on aldehydes easily, you will be repelled by its intense smell.

Okay, this is an acceptable explanation for some people. For those who just “don’t like” cilantro, I have no words.

Interestingly, places where cilantro is especially popular, such as Central America and India, have…