Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?

The reason cilantro tastes like soap to some people comes down to your DNA^[3]. Specifically, a gene variation called OR6A2 makes certain people highly sensitive to aldehydes, which are natural compounds found in both cilantro and soap^[3][6]. This sensitivity varies by population, with about 13% of people with European ancestry reporting the soapy taste, compared to fewer than 10% of Latino, African-American, and Asian participants^[3].

The good news is that you might be able to train your brain to like it. Consistent exposure to small amounts of the herb can help your brain reinterpret the flavor, and crushing the leaves may also reduce that soapy potency^[3].