How this ubiquitous garnish can ruin dinner.

And while there are times that can feel true, a life focused on food can have its problems.

For me, one of those problems is that I am a supertaster.

a collage featuring a bar of soap and a cilantro leaf

Photo: Getty Images

The short version is that I have significantly more taste buds than the average person.

More taste buds mean that I taste things more intensely and often differently than non-supertasters might.

Supertasters are never identical in terms of what they do and don’t enjoy.

But my momwho is definitely not a supertasteralso thinks cilantro tastes like soap, so what gives?

Is There a Gene That Makes Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People?

Turns out, genetics do play a part.

We all have smell receptors that sense the presence of certain chemicals.

What Percentage of the Population Thinks Cilantro Tastes Like Soap?

Are You a Supertaster If Cilantro Tastes Like Soap?

The answer can be yes and no.

About 25% of the population are thought to be supertasters.

But for many, any amount of cilantro is just too much.

Can You Do Anything About It If Cilantro Tastes Like Soap to You?

If you think cilantro tastes soapy, there are some things it’s possible for you to do.

And parsley is a fine substitution in many dishes if you don’t want to get anywhere near cilantro.

Some people who think cilantro tastes like soap are supertasters, but not all are.

If you’re willing to give cilantro a try, use it indressings,hummusor amain dish.

Spence C.Coriander (cilantro): a most divisive herb.Int.

2020;18(6):1444-1456. doi:10.1111/pbi.13310