According to one study, it can vary widely depending on your ethnic background, but the answer lies somewhere between 4-21% of the population.
What gene makes you hate cilantro?
One of the genes near this SNP encodes an olfactory receptor, OR6A2, that detects the aldehydes that may make cilantro smell soapy and thus is a compelling candidate gene for the detection of the cilantro odors that give cilantro its divisive flavor.
What ethnicity hates cilantro?
East Asians and Caucasians had the highest prevalence of cilantro dislikers. One limitation of our study was that the East Asian group included individuals of Thai, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese descent.
Is the cilantro gene dominant?
A closer study of the subject at Cornell University traced the cilantro love and hate to something called “OR6A2,” an olfactory receptor gene with “a high binding specificity for several of the aldehydes that give cilantro its characteristic odor.” In essence, whether that particular gene is dominant or recessive
What is the cilantro soap gene?
Why Cilantro Tastes Like Soap
They found that those people who said cilantro tastes like soap share a common smell-receptor gene cluster called OR6A2. This gene cluster picks up the scent of aldehyde chemicals. Natural aldehyde chemicals are found in cilantro leaves, and those chemicals are also used during soapmaking.
Why do I smell cilantro when there is none?
Blame it on your genes — and your surroundings
Some people possess a gene that makes them super-sensitive to the aldehyde component found in cilantro and other foods and products. One study noted a very specific genetic link near the olfactory center of DNA in about 10% of those with cilantro aversion.
What gene makes cilantro taste like soap?
OR26A is the genetic SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that makes cilantro taste like soap to some people: bitter and excruciating — almost painfully metallic and horrible.
How do I know if my gene is cilantro?
Cilantro may be one of the most polarizing herbs. Now, there is a service offered by DNA testing company 23AndMe that will test your genetics to see whether you are predisposed to hate the ingredient.
What percentage of the population hates cilantro?
It has been estimated a strong aversion to cilantro impacts anywhere from 4 to 14 percent of the general population, reports New York Daily News. This aversion is more commonly found in some races and ethnicities than others.
