The Science of BBQ - Why You May Hate Cilantro
Everyone’s experience of the world around them is unique. You don’t see, smell, or even taste things in the same way as the person next to you. One thing we can all agree on, however, is that you either love or detest Cilantro. This controversial plant creates polarizing conversations across the world. Let’s explore the science of BBQ and find out why you hate (or love) cilantro.
What is Cilantro?
Cilantro comes from the plant coriander. Coriander is a widely cultivated annual plant that is used as both an herb and a spice in many cuisines worldwide. The leaves and stems are harvested before the plant flowers and bears fruit. This is what we know as cilantro. Once bloomed and the fruit forms, the seeds are harvested for coriander seeds, a spice found in many recipes.
It is estimated that between 4 and 21 percent of the world’s population dislikes the distinctive taste of cilantro.
Health Benefits of Cilantro
There are a few health benefits to consuming cilantro. They include:
- Naturally occurring antioxidants
- Cilantro has antibacterial properties
- Contains iron, magnesium, and manganese
- It’s a natural diuretic
- Cilantro can combat nausea
- Is full of vitamin A
- Improves the texture of skin and hair
- Can increase energy levels
These things are fantastic benefits, but, if you aren’t a huge fan, you can get many of these benefits from other amazing foods like ginger, green tea, garlic, and more!
Smash Style Chorizo Tacos
Try Cilantro in this delicious recipe for Chorizo Smash Tacos on the BBQ.
What Does Cilantro Taste Like?
But what does cilantro taste like? Whether you eat the stems and leaves or prefer not to, one should know the expected flavour notes of this garnish. It should be noted that though you may not like one aspect of the plant that is consumed, you could like the other.
People in the "I Like It" Camp Say the Cilantro Tastes:
"Herbaceous"
"Peppery"
"Parsley-ish or green"
"Citrusy"
People in the "I Hate It" Camp Say the Cilantro Tastes:
"Soapy"
"Like Dirt"
"Metallic"
"Has the smell of bedbug dirt (IYKYK)"
Cilantro is added to dishes with the intent of creating brightness and freshness similar to when you add a squeeze some lime or other citrus. The main chemical compound that provides cilantro its distinct scent and taste is citronellol. This is the main chemical component used to add fragrance to hand soaps like Ivory. Aldehydes are in other compounds that you experience too. They are responsible for other scents like almond, floral, and vanilla scents, as well as the nose-tingling odor of formaldehyde.
Why You May or May Not Like Cilantro
There are several reasons why you may not like cilantro. It can be attributed to exposure, or lack thereof, or it could be that you are genetically predisposed to dislike the unique taste and smell. It could be both or neither.
Scientists recently performed a study that links the dislike of cilantro to genetics. The OR6A2 olfactory receptor gene is responsible for detecting aldehydes. As we know, scent makes up a large portion of the taste experience. If that gene is mutated in a fashion, a person can be more sensitive to the aldehydes in cilantro causing the citronellol compounds in cilantro to be detected as a soapy. There is another side to this genetic coin as well. If the OR6A2 is mutated slightly in the opposite direction, it boosts the detection of the fruity nuances that give cilantro a bright and fresh flavour that some people love.
There could also be an evolutionary element to disliking cilantro. Some areas have concentrations of the cilantro averse. These pockets may have developed before cilantro was brought to the area. There could be similar flavours found in plants that are toxic in those same areas, and a genetic memory of sorts can be providing information that this plant is dangerous.
Finally, there could be a learned association and behavior to a like or dislike of cilantro. Much like those who love the spicy side of life where eating spicy foods provides a positive reward - adrenaline, endorphins, or praise – cilantro could be liked through a positive association. Positive formative experiences like good times with family or friends or the best day ever, as long as cilantro is involved, eating it again will provide that comfort food sensation of positivity.
There are two sides to that coin as well. A negative experience could render an extreme aversion. Eating or drinking something and then getting sick or experiencing a negative event are enough to cause a negative reaction with anything including cilantro. This is known as conditioned taste aversion and can also be influenced by the culture you grew up with.
Very likely, it could be a combination of all of these things creating your positive or negative views of cilantro. Learned food behaviors, cultural upbringing, and your genetic markers will make you love or loathe cilantro.
Tacos Al Pastor
Cilantro is used as a garnish or main component of dishes popular around the world. Try it or avoid adding it to this delicious recipe for Tacos Al Pastor.
Vindaloo Curry
Try cilantro as a garnish in this family-centric dinner of Vindaloo Curry made on the BBQ.
It’s been suggested that if you are cilantro averse but need to consume it, crushing the leaves prior to consumption can decrease the intensity of the flavour.
More Taste Aversions
If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, there are a few other foods that you may also dislike:
- Bitter veggies like brussels sprouts, arugula, and cabbage
- Artificial sweeteners
- Mangos (Some say they taste like pine or pinesol cleaner)
- Pineapple
- Hops
Elevated Carne Asada
Cilantro can be found as one of the main building blocks of guacamole. Include it in this recipe for Elevated Carne Asada or leave it out as you prefer.
People Also Asked:
What is the gene that makes you not like cilantro?
The gene OR6A2 genetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is the genetic marker that indicates if you may experience cilantro negatively. There is a minor mutation located on that gene sequence that elevates the detection of aldehydes, a volatile organic compound, found in abundance in cilantro.
What percent of people dislike cilantro?
The number of people that are in the dislike-camp can vary widely and can be related to background, location, and even genetics. It is estimated that between 4 and 21 percent of people detest cilantro.
What is cilantro taste aversion?
Those who dislike cilantro can possibly connect this with their genes. Markers on the OR6A2 determine your sensitivity to the volatile compounds in cilantro that can make it taste and smell bad.
Does cilantro taste like soap to everybody?
Cilantro doesn’t taste terrible to everyone. When someone who enjoys the herb they describe the experience as bright, citrusy, and even herbaceous. Which sounds quite pleasant.
Share Your Cilantro Recipes With Us!
Whether you think this polarizing parsley, is pestilence that tastes of putrification, or an awesome accompaniment to amusing entres, one thing is for sure, cilantro is an interesting subject. Now you know the science of BBQ behind why you, or someone you know, hates cilantro. Do you have stories of this or other food aversions? Share yours, as well as recipes, and photos with us on social like our Facebook and Tiktok pages using the hashtags #NapoleonEats and #NapoleonBBQs.
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