What genetic marker makes cilantro taste soapy?
OR26A
OR26A is the genetic SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that makes cilantro taste like soap to some people: bitter and excruciating — almost painfully metallic and horrible.
How do you know if you have the cilantro gene?
There’s no specific cilantro aversion gene, but there are genetic markers for this phenomenon. An AncestryDNA® test could reveal whether you are likely to have a cilantro aversion.
Is liking cilantro in your DNA?
Blame it on your genes — and your surroundings Some people possess a gene that makes them super-sensitive to the aldehyde component found in cilantro and other foods and products. One study noted a very specific genetic link near the olfactory center of DNA in about 10% of those with cilantro aversion.
What else does the cilantro gene affect?
One of the genes near this SNP encodes an olfactory receptor, OR6A2, that detects the aldehydes that may make cilantro smell soapy and thus is a compelling candidate gene for the detection of the cilantro odors that give cilantro its divisive flavor.
Why does cilantro suddenly taste like soap?
People who report that “cilantro tastes bad” have a variation of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to detect aldehydes—a compound found in cilantro that is also a by-product of soap and part of the chemical makeup of fluids sprayed by some bugs. …
Does babish Hate cilantro?
In his Basics video for Chicken Tikka Masala, he mentions his dislike of cilantro as an “affliction”, which means he seems to be aware of the genetic condition.
Why does cilantro taste different?
What’s the benefit of cilantro?
Researchers have found that cilantro may provide health benefits in the form of reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and seizure severity, as well as raising energy levels and healthy hair and skin.
Why do some people hate cilantro?
Interestingly, people with European or Caucasian ancestry are more likely to hate cilantro because they are genetically predisposed to detecting aldehydes. This explains why cilantro or coriander doesn’t make much of an appearance in Western cuisine.
Does cilantro really taste like soap?
It’s commonly suggested that cilantro tastes like soap to some people due to genetics . However, whether cilantro tastes like dish soap to you may or may not have anything to do with your genes. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of personal taste. Unfortunately, you’ll just have to try it and see what happens.
How many people hate cilantro?
According to Reactions, roughly 4-14 percent of the population is estimated to hate the taste of cilantro. These people may be part of a subgroup known to have a genetic mutation that’s been linked to an aversion to cilantro, with people describing it as tasting ‘soapy or dirt-like.’.
Is cilantro hating genetic?
Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. These people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.
