There’s a scientific reason why people either love or hate coriander

International 'I Hate Coriander Day' took place earlier this week and coriander remains one of the most loved and most hated herbs out there.

As the debate rages on, scientists share the reason why so many can’t stand the ‘soapy-tasting’ herb - and it's partly to do with one’s genes.

Back in 2012, statistical geneticist Nicholas Eriksson and his team discovered that there's a "genetic component to cilantro taste perception and suggest that cilantro dislike may stem from genetic variants in olfactory receptors".

After working hard to discover why some people can’t stand the herb, their research was published by Cornell University and concluded that receptor genes known as the OR6A2 cluster could be contributing to the "detection of a soapy smell from cilantro".

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After this research was published, DNA company 23andme conducted their own research into whether or not loving coriander has some sort of a "genetic trait". As part of this research, they asked over 50,000 applicants if they liked or disliked the smell and taste of coriander. The company then used this research to compare the DNA of those who liked and disliked coriander and agreed that there is, in fact, a genetic variation they believe to be associated with those who consider it soapy-tasting.

Sharing their findings in a blog post, 23andme explains that "[Coriander’s] aromatic qualities primarily depend on a group of compounds known as aldehydes. One type of aldehyde has been described as being 'fruity' and 'green' and another type as being 'soapy' and 'pungent'. One of the eight genes near the SNP we identified codes for a receptor called OR6A2, which is known to detect aldehydes such as those found in cilantro. Although this finding provides evidence that genetic variation in olfactory receptors is involved in coriander taste perception, common genetic variants explain only a very small part of the difference – a half per cent – between 23andMe customers for this trait."

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Professor Russell Keast, who specialises in sensory and food science at Deakin University’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, in his research, adds that “We have smell receptors in our nose that are responsible for identifying volatile compounds in the atmosphere, including volatile compounds released from potential foods. Sense of smell is highly variable between people, so what I experience may not be what you experience, and this can be due to quantity, type and natural variations with smell receptors."

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Do you have any foods that you cannot stand? Vic shares that he, for one, hates tomatoes.

“I would never choose anything on the menu if it has tomatoes in it - even if it’s in a salad!” Vic says. “The one thing I can never understand is when people order breakfast and a massive slice of tomato comes with the eggs, bacon, and toast. Who does that?”

Another food item that Vic can’t stand is raisins. “It’s probably why I can’t stand rum and raisin ice cream – it’s trash!” he continues.

Are you a lover of coriander? Which food item do you refuse to eat? Let Vic know in the comments section below!

Image courtesy: Pixabay