Different people have different tastes when it comes to the same food. Take coriander, for example. Personally, I find it delicious, so I am always surprised when I hear someone say they don't like it. So why do some people not like coriander? Let's find out together!
Coriander
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), also known as cilantro, is a plant belonging to the Umbelliferae family in the Coriandrum genus, according to the "Chinese Plant Records".
Coriander is native to the Mediterranean region, from southern Europe and northern Africa to southwestern Asia.
The Latin name of the Coriandrum genus originated from ancient Greek, and it is said to originally refer to a certain smelly bug found in the region.
Naming a plant known as coriander after a smelly bug may indicate that there have always been many people who strongly oppose and resist coriander since ancient times.
Main Uses of Coriander
The most commonly consumed part of coriander is its tender leaves, but the whole plant has a unique aroma. In particular, the seeds of coriander have a strong fragrance and the dried, ribbed fruits are often used as a spice for seasoning.
The seeds of coriander contain about 20% oil, which can be extracted to obtain aromatic oil. Coriander essential oil was used in medieval Europe to treat menstrual disorders in women.
Is Coriander Fragrant or Stinky?
Coriander leaves and seed essential oil contain cineole and various aldehydes, which are the main components of coriander's aroma and flavor.
However, whether coriander's unique flavor is pleasant or repulsive, human society has never stopped debating and struggling since it appeared on our dining tables.
People who like coriander tend to add it to everything they eat, while those who dislike it think it smells like soap.
Some even say that it tastes like chewing on a bug. In fact, researchers in the United States have conducted investigations and studies, and they have found and claimed that there are genetic differences between coriander haters and normal food lovers.
This study suggests that the olfactory receptor gene "OR6A2" on human chromosome 11 can affect our sense of smell. Coriander haters may belong to a small group formed by a genetic mutation.
This genetic mutation makes them unusually sensitive to the aldehydes that give coriander its distinct aroma, thus creating their aversion to coriander.
