Why Onions Make Us Cry...and Other Food Mysteries Solved

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Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people and not others?

Are you one of those people who can't stand the taste of cilantro? Or know anyone that feels that way? For those who love cilantro, it can seem like the weirdest thing ever that some people think it tastes like soap. But it turns out, it's not their fault—it's genetics. Those who possess the OR6A2 gene, a type of olfactory receptor, may have a heightened sense of smell that allows them to detect aldehyde chemicals (found in both cilantro and soap). In fact, an estimated 20% of the population are cilantro-haters, and it may even have something to do with ethnic background.