Cilantro is a common food in our lives. Some people are naturally averse to cilantro because they find it has a certain smell. In fact, some people have even developed a phobia of it. So, do you dislike cilantro as well?
As one of the most polarizing ingredients, cilantro is met with disdain by those who dislike it. Some even say its smell resembles... well, this. The root of cilantro's English name is "coriander bug," which gives you an idea of how terrible its smell can be for certain people.
However, according to scientific research, the dislike for cilantro is entirely genetic, with about 15% of the worldwide population disliking it. Scientific studies have found that this is mainly because these people possess the "OR6A2" olfactory gene. This gene allows them to be highly sensitive to the aldehydes in cilantro, which are the source of its distinctive smell.
This "OR6A2" gene is particularly close to the smell of soap in our daily lives. Therefore, people who are naturally averse to cilantro directly perceive it as having a soapy taste, which they find disgusting. In fact, an "Anti-Cilantro League" has even been established, with its membership now exceeding 5,000 people.
Some people have even dubbed cilantro the "impotence herb" online, which is clearly an unfounded claim. On the contrary, cilantro actually offers numerous benefits, including enhancing fertility and treating conditions like urticaria and the common cold.
According to statistics, Asians make up the largest proportion of cilantro-haters worldwide. However, in Japan, cilantro is exceptionally popular. Not only has cilantro topped the list of "national popular ingredients" in Japan,
but the government has continuously promoted its many benefits, such as being rich in vitamins A and C and aiding digestion. This has sparked a "cilantro cuisine" trend in Japan, featuring dishes like cilantro udon and cilantro tempura! Even cilantro potato chips have appeared! There are even cilantro fans who have designed clothes with a cilantro logo.
For me, while I don't have a special fondness for cilantro, I'm happy to accept it whether as a seasoning or a main dish. Whenever I order takeout, I always remember to ask the owner to add an extra portion of cilantro. As for those who don't eat cilantro, I can only say that you are missing out on a "unique experience" in your life, which is quite a pity.