Natural Born Cilantro Haters

by:
September 24, 2012

Cilantro Gene

If you're among the legions of people who can't stand cilantro, you should know you may have been born to hate on the popular herb (no, really). The Huffington Post reports on a new study that suggests some individuals may be genetically predisposed to a cilantro aversion, in part due to their sense of smell. Researchers identified two genetic variants that are linked to the perception of the herb, with one gene in particular carrying significant sensitivities to aldehyde chemicals (what gives cilantro its distinctive flavor).

The good news is that you may be able to trick your taste buds by crushing the leaves -- such as in cilantro based pestos -- which converts the aldehydes into other substances with no aroma. Tell us, are you a cilantro fan?

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Cilantro Aversion Linked To Gene For Smell, New Study Finds from The Huffington Post

 

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • sexyLAMBCHOPx
    sexyLAMBCHOPx
  • walkie74
    walkie74
I cook for a living and then come home to cook for fun. When I'm not cooking, I'm reading or writing about food. It's safe to say I've found my calling.

3 Comments

sexyLAMBCHOPx September 24, 2012
detest the herb...
 
walkie74 September 24, 2012
Yep, can't stand the stuff. Unless it's decidedly not fresh. If it's been sitting in salsa for a while, then I *might* eat it.
 
walkie74 September 24, 2012
YES!!! I am VINDICATED!!!! I am not a weirdo for hating cilantro! *does the happy dance*

I'll also note that certain types of cilantro tend to be stronger than others. Also, the longer it sits out, the less pungent it is. I can't handle fresh cilantro, but give it to me in a canned salsa and I'll eat it (although I just prefer my salsa with none at all).