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Original poster

To wonder whether or not coriander tastes a little soapy to everyone?

115 replies

someladdersandsnakes · 07/06/2024 12:02

I know about the 'coriander tastes like soap gene' and I know people with that who can't tolerate any bit of coriander in their food, it makes them sick etc. When you read about that online the explanation is that people with this gene hate coriander so much because the gene makes it taste like soap. But I'm happy to eat coriander and also think it tastes like soap? Like I don't think it's a BAD flavour, it's just soapy. So do I have the gene but somehow don't despise coriander for some reason? Or is it slightly soapy for everyone and people with the gene taste it significantly more strongly. What does coriander taste like to you, if it doesn't taste like soap?

OP posts:
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Zeeze · 16/06/2024 11:41

It has a bitter perfume-like taste to me. Doesn’t add anything to a meal though I don’t consciously avoid it.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 16/06/2024 11:27

I really used to dislike fresh coriander because aeons ago, while living abroad, I once bought a big bunch by mistake, instead of flat leaf parsley. Ugh!

I don’t mind it now, but still not mad about it.

CrunchyCarrot · 16/06/2024 11:21

I don't know what soap tastes like but coriander tastes horrible and musty to me. Hate the stuff.

Whatyoutalkingabouteh · 07/06/2024 23:21

I eat all foods… apart from coriander. Makes me retch!

FluffyJellyCat · 07/06/2024 23:18

I love it and it's not at all soapy to me

LePetitMarseillias · 07/06/2024 23:16

stressedespresso · 07/06/2024 12:08

I have no idea how but I went from tasting coriander properly (aka peppery, a bit tangy) to soapy overnight. Was genuinely convinced that as I was tucking into my burrito somebody had squirted washing up liquid into it! Now can’t go near the stuff with a barge pole 😷

Oh that's so upsetting! I bloody love corriander i do!

Theothername · 07/06/2024 21:55

I’m not fond of it but I wouldn’t have thought of soap

TomatoSoz · 07/06/2024 21:53

YANBU - I thought this when I found out about the "gene". I can taste the flavour people don't like, but I like it. So I think you just like coriander or you don't.

Chocolateorange22 · 07/06/2024 21:47

Gosh no, absolutely adore the stuff

SinnerBoy · 07/06/2024 21:37

Somebody mentioned Stevia, I agree, there's something very school chemistry lab about it, in the back of your (my) throat.

Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 07/06/2024 21:32

Pomegranatemum · 07/06/2024 12:04

Ooo, I love it! Definitely not soapy to me. More ‘fragrant’.

Agree 100% l love it especially on salad

Newestname002 · 07/06/2024 21:26

TyneTeas · 07/06/2024 12:04

Tastes like aromatic tangy parsley

Yes - love it.

Catinabeanbag · 07/06/2024 21:24

I loathe coriander, but it's not totally soapy to me. It's a weird bitter, earthy dry smell, and tastes like that about a thousand times more. Foul stuff.

hohohowheniscmascoming · 07/06/2024 21:15

Yes slightly soapy here but I still sort of like it

lobsterkiller · 07/06/2024 21:05

Going against the grain here and state it has a faint smell of bleach. It's not a horrible taste but yeah a bit soapy.

spicysamosahotcupoftea · 07/06/2024 21:00

I love coriander! Can't get enough. I'm one of those that can't eat fresh cod 🤢

Proseccoagain · 07/06/2024 20:54

Absolutely loathe it, tastes very musty to me. Always ask for Indian meals without it.

BogRollBOGOF · 07/06/2024 20:50

I find corriander fresh and fragrant. The leaves a bit more zesty than the seeds.

It's artificial sweetners that taste of soap to me, and the bastards stick right on the back of my tounge so I can taste their awfulness every time I swallow for hours after. They're much harder to dodge than corriander!

newrubylane · 07/06/2024 20:43

stressedespresso · 07/06/2024 12:08

I have no idea how but I went from tasting coriander properly (aka peppery, a bit tangy) to soapy overnight. Was genuinely convinced that as I was tucking into my burrito somebody had squirted washing up liquid into it! Now can’t go near the stuff with a barge pole 😷

My husband went off coriander after he had COVID.

Some taste things like this are genetic, I believe.

WilliamButt · 07/06/2024 20:43

I used to hate coriander but now quite like it and use it liberally (where appropriate). But back when I hated it I didn't think it was soapy. So I probably lack the gene but just didn't like it. It's a very very particular flavour.

BobbyBiscuits · 07/06/2024 20:39

I love it. If it was soapy it would be gross. Mint is more soapy if anything?

BambiSkate · 07/06/2024 20:39

Absolute love fresh coriander and it completely tastes like soap

TheHateIsNotGood · 07/06/2024 20:37

Some might prefer the taste of cilantro...instead.

ExtraOnions · 07/06/2024 20:27

Tastes like soap to me, and my daugher .. it’s genetic, just one of those things. I hate it, ergh

stickthewellyin · 07/06/2024 20:25

I love it but the kids and dh all complain that it tastes soapy, i just can't understand it. One of my favourite foods is a coriander, tomato and red onion salad.