Coriander is one of those things; you either love it or loath it… there is no in-between. Coriander is a herb sometimes referred to as cilantro, and it’s been known to have a specific characteristic… its taste is often described as soapy. But not everyone agrees. And there is a scientific reason that makes this cheeky coriander character so controversial when it comes to adding it to meals.
As it turns out, it comes down to the smell of the stuff! Smell receptors in our noses are responsible for identifying unpredictable compounds in the atmosphere, including volatile compounds released from volatile foods. How we experience smell differs from person to person depending on the natural variation in our unique smell receptors.
Depending on how ‘nosey’ you are (pardon the pun) will depend on how you experience how coriander tastes! Some describe eating this herb as similar to shoving a bar of soap in their mouths, while others love the herby taste and have no hesitation sprinkling it on anything and everything.
So, whether you love it or hate it – don’t let the divide ruin friendships… it’s not your fault, baby, you were born this way insert Lady Gaga’s high note.