QuickCheck: Does coriander really taste like soap?

If you’ve ever bitten into a dish sprinkled with coriander – also known as cilantro – and thought it tasted like soap, you’re not alone.

Indeed, you might have heard people also saying that it tastes like something found in both the bathroom and the kitchen

So, is it true that coriander really tastes like soap?

Verdict:

FALSE

Yes, coriander may taste like soap to some – but it is not due to the plant itself; it is a quirk of genetics.

Research shows that certain individuals, primarily those with European ancestry, are genetically predisposed to experience a soapy taste when consuming coriander.

This response is tied to a specific gene cluster known as OR6A2, which detects aldehydes—a chemical compound found in both coriander and soap.

Aldehydes are present in coriander’s essential oils and are responsible for its aromatic flavour. To most people, these compounds contribute to the herb’s citrusy and refreshing taste.

However, those with variations in the OR6A2 gene are hypersensitive to certain aldehydes, which resemble the flavour profile of soap.

As a result, these individuals associate the fresh herb with the bitter, unpleasant sensation of soapiness.

This gene-driven perception, however, can vary among cultures. People of East Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American descent – where coriander is frequently used in cooking – are less likely to have this aversion.

This suggests that culinary exposure may also play a role in influencing how coriander is perceived.

In conclusion, coriander doesn’t inherently taste like soap. So, if you’re someone who perceives coriander as unpleasantly soapy, you can blame your genes—not the recipe.