Coriander (aromatic herb with a powerful scent) is debated:according to a study published in 2012 in Flavour , amateurs readily describe its taste as “fragrant” and even “lemony”, while others use much less appetizing adjectives comparing it to “soap” or even “dirt” (totally!). So where do these differences come from? Scientists have looked into the question by interviewing a series of people from different socio-cultural backgrounds and ethnicities... And the result is rather astonishing!
Food preferences are generally (very) influenced by socio-cultural background and even… by genetics! Researchers then attempted to "explain the different consumption habits of coriander between populations" and reveal (still following this study published in Flavour ) that 17% of Caucasians hate coriander, as well as 21% of Asians who would refuse to taste it. On the other hand, we find that only 7% of South Asians (like the Vietnamese, who consume a lot of it in their daily meals) do not like it. These results can first be explained by genetics, as explained by doctor Philippe Pouillart (immuno-pharmacologist) in Madame Figaro coriander contains aldehydes, a component also found in soap (there, it makes us want more too much…)! The strong sensitivity to aldehydes would also be determined by the OR6A2 gene, more or less active in some. But these conclusions could also be explained by the eating habits of each:if an individual is quickly and frequently confronted with the flavors of coriander, it is more likely that this one appreciates it.
Well, if you're not a fan, you can also replace it with a little parsley! Good app!
