Coriander (cilantro): A most divisive herb

Abstract

Coriander is one of the most interesting of herbs/spices given the polarizing (or bivalent) responses that the fresh leaf evokes in people. While many people appreciate the citrusy, herbal qualities of the fresh leaf when added to food, others find its presence to be offensive, describing it as having an unpleasant soapy taste instead. The olfactory receptor (OR) gene responsible for this genetically-determined perceptual difference has now been uncovered, with the incidence of the soapy response estimated at between 3 and 21%, depending on the ethno-cultural group tested. Intriguingly, the spice, coriander seed (actually the dried ripe fruit), does not appear to elicit the same response, hinting at the divergent chemical make-up of the various parts of this popular culinary plant.