Advertisement. Those that can pick them up will get that soapy aroma, which also translates to a bitter taste when you bite into cilantro. … It’s unclear yet if this compound is present in cilantro, but these taste receptors (or other ones on the tongue) could play into why cilantro has a bitter taste to some.

Why does my cilantro taste bitter?

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.

Does cilantro have a strong taste?

Cilantro is a green, leafy herb that resembles parsley. It’s the leafy part of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum), which produces seeds that are used as a spice. For those who appreciate it, cilantro tastes like a stronger version of parsley, with a tangy citrus flavor.