I’m one of those people that has the “cilantro tastes like soap” gene. If you don’t have the gene, how would you describe cilantro? What is it similar to?
Well, I tasted the soapiness at first, and eventually got used to it, so I don’t really notice it anymore. I mean, I know it’s there–I just don’t find it unpleasant. I’m really struggling to find another herb or anything else it tastes similar to. It just tastes “fresh” and “green” to me.
I love cilantro but couldn’t think of anything to compare it to either so I googled it and found a reddit thread asking the exact same question. Everyone pretty much said the same thing. Fresh, crisp, bright, green etc
http://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/27wgf6/what_does_cilantro_taste_like_to_someone_who/
Not much help, but it’s like asking what parsley taste like, or bananas or milk.
Yep: fresh and green. A little like chopped green onion leaves, but not as strong.
Green? Like grass?
Yeah, there’s a certain grassiness to it, I guess. It’s hard to describe. I’m chewing on some right now, and what I taste is that soapy bitterness, and then just a “freshness.” Maybe something like cucumber skin? I dunno. It’s hard to pin down. I’m guess that whatever you’re tasting, it’s pretty similar to what I’m tasting, it’s just that I’m used to it.
Similar to parsley. It tastes “crisp” (if that makes sense) and maybe borderline minty.
Ok, I love the stuff but my late husband hated it. He said it tasted like “armpit.” And I completely get that. It’s very earthy, almost sensual. The taste is sharp, a little bitter, a little tart. But if you’ve ever stuck your nose into someone’s pit after they’ve been working hard in the garden… yeah, a little like that.
Weak green onions, lettuce and parsley.
It’s ok, I could give or take it. Chipotle pits way too damn much on their white rice though. Too aggressive man.
Slightly bitter or sour. Definitely has a grassy green component to the flavor.
I see what you did there…
Like mexicanized parsley.
I think the best comparison *is *soap, yet I’m not one who hates it. I don’t love it in great quantities either, mind you, but soap is about as accurate as a comparison I can think of. I’m wondering if we all taste it as soap, but some of use dislike that particular taste more than others ( as opposed to the theory that only some of us perceive it as having a soapy taste).
Well, other than tasting like soap, it tastes green and sharp and fresh, and reminds me of parsley. Or like that Japanese leaf that you sometimes get nestled between two pieces of sushi. If it didn’t taste like soap, it would be sort of nice.
**If you like cilantro, how would you describe it? **
Mandatory.
There is a theory out there that the aversion is only partly genetic, and that may not even be the dominant component, but it seems established that there is at least some genetic link. Here’s one article on two studies.
Kinda like like a mix between parsley and basil, only Asian and Mexican connotations rather than Italian. Definitely a fresh taste, don’t know if I’d say soapy, but maybe clean?
I think you’re being sincere but your response makes me chuckle 
If I had to pin it down I’d say a little bitter and a bit burny on the tongue. You know, just like soap.
Jeesh!
A little bit goes a long way with stuff.
Satisfied? :dubious:
I get the above - green, fresh, slight onion, parsley - also a little citrus/lemongrass. I love it, love trying a few leaves at the shop before buying, and cover my home-made Indian curries in it (only the leaves which I pick off individually).
I never connected the taste with soap until reading about it, now there’s a hint of a link but only as much as in vodka / paint thinner.
I don’t like all foods; turnip tastes like an old, used sticking plaster, dates taste like sugar granules in molasses, cooked carrot tastes like a discouraging remark.