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aindra

Coriander, Cilantro - linalool, soapy

13 years ago

While not on topic of growing the plants; it does relate to the plants which you all may have in your gardens.

I recently discovered something interesting about cilantro.

The cilantro/cilantro often confuses me because sometimes they strongly tasted like a soap, and in some cases, I can only detect slight soapiness. They seemed to vary and it baffles me when my family and many friends enjoyed this cilantro when all I could taste is A SOAP. How can you enjoy this plant?!

Wikipedia: Coriander's Variation in taste response

Cilantro Haters Boo 'Fetid Barb of Green'; A Prominent Critic Recants

Apparently, there are some people who are particularly sensitive to linalool in cilantro (it's also ingredient in the soap.) which is responsible for soapy taste. In case your kids who snub your cilantro-based recipes - complaining it tastes like a soap - it's possible they're not just being super picky, it DOES taste like a soap to them.

I won't deny that my taste buds are odd. The pine nuts once caused me to taste everything metallic for nearly a week (couldn't even enjoy bacon, for pete's sake! Had to live on water and bread - they were tolerable.) My family ate same meal I ate and they weren't affected by it.

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