“I can’t eat this,” my partner exclaims, pushing his dish away in disgust. My annoyance flares up immediately. After dedicating 45 minutes to crafting a new Mexican-inspired dinner, I shoot him an irritated glance. He continues, “There’s something in here that’s just off.” I’m taken aback—he rarely voices complaints. I take another mouthful of the rice bowl, relishing its flavors. Seriously, who doesn’t enjoy Mexican food? I’m not a culinary expert, but I know my way around the kitchen.
He begins to sift through his bowl, his face twisted in distaste as I give him my best annoyed stare. I’m silently imploring him to keep his complaints to himself; our kids shouldn’t witness this adult tantrum over dinner. Then, he triumphantly raises his fork, declaring, “Got it!” I lean in closer to see a minuscule piece of cilantro skewered on his fork.
“So?” I ask. “It’s just cilantro!”
“It’s revolting,” he retorts, gulping down water. “I’ve never experienced anything this terrible.” I roll my eyes and continue eating. More for me, I think.
What is Cilantro?
So, what exactly is cilantro? It’s the aromatic leaves and stems of the coriander plant. California is the leading producer of cilantro in the U.S., but you can also find it grown in states like Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. Often dubbed Mexican or Chinese parsley, cilantro is a divisive herb—people either love it or hate it, and there’s hardly any middle ground.
My partner isn’t alone in his disdain for this tiny green herb that frequently appears in Indian, Mexican, and Asian cuisines. There’s an entire Facebook group dedicated to those who detest cilantro, aptly named “I Hate Cilantro,” boasting over 6,300 members.
Jenna Lawson, a mother of two, launched the group back in 2007 as a lighthearted joke. She felt like the lone cilantro hater in her family and wanted to connect with others who shared her aversion. Daily, members share photos of their cilantro-laden meals gone wrong, memes, and GIFs that reflect their mutual disdain.
Voices from the Group
I was granted access to this private group, and the members’ fervor is palpable. When I asked what they call cilantro and why they loathe it, their responses were passionate. Member Sam Taylor calls it “Satan’s Sprinkles,” claiming it tastes like a mix of soap and metal. Laura Reed insists it’s the “Devil’s lettuce,” while Karen Brooks, who lives in Houston, refers to it as “the horrendous little green herb.” Another member, Tim Aiken, shared that cilantro reminds him of “the taste of regret.” Angela White claims it “infects everything it touches,” a sentiment echoed by group admin Lawson.
The Science Behind Cilantro Aversion
Interestingly, science supports those who find cilantro off-putting. Research suggests that for some, cilantro tastes like soap, a flavor so repulsive that even culinary legends like Julia Child dismissed it as having a “dead taste.” If cilantro appears in a dish, she said she would toss it aside.
So why do some love cilantro while others can’t stand it? This isn’t your average debate over sweet potatoes versus pumpkin pie. Scientific studies indicate that some individuals might be genetically predisposed to dislike cilantro. At first, I was skeptical, primarily due to my partner’s reaction to dinner, but further exploration confirmed that cilantro aversion is indeed real, and can even manifest as a legitimate phobia.
Dr. Eric Matthews, a neuroscientist at a leading university focusing on food perception, explained that if a person’s brain cannot associate a pleasant memory with the flavor of cilantro, they may perceive it as a threat.
Personal Reflections
At first, I found this amusing. How can cilantro be a threat? Why are some treating this delicate green herb like a monster? With so many serious issues in the world, we’re concerned about a plant?
However, I recognize that we all have foods we genuinely dislike, even those that are popular. For instance, I have a strong aversion to coconut. It doesn’t just appear in food but is also found in various beauty products like lotion and lip balm. To me, coconut is the scent of summer, which I find utterly unappealing.
I’ve despised coconut for as long as I can remember. When I was about seven, my aunt—a chocolate lover—took me to a fancy confectionery. She bought a box of gourmet truffles, and we dove in before reaching the car. The surprise of discovering each flavor inside was thrilling until I bit into a coconut truffle. I gagged and ended up sick in the parking lot. That experience left a lasting impression, and even a hint of coconut can transport me back to that unpleasant moment.
I guess if science indicates that cilantro can genuinely be repulsive to some, I have to be more understanding of my partner’s reaction. He couldn’t help but dislike the meal I prepared, as those tiny bits of cilantro ruined it for him. Personally, I can’t imagine giving up cilantro. In fact, I’m the only one in my family of six who generously sprinkles cilantro on my scrambled eggs and mixes it into my Pad Thai.
I’ll take the words of fellow group member, Nancy Green, to heart. She cautions cilantro enthusiasts that cilantro is not something you acquire a taste for; it’s not going to change, and any trace of that “devil weed” is immediately recognizable. So, don’t attempt to sneak it past her—or any other cilantro hater. It’s simply not going to happen.
Conclusion
As with many things in life, it’s best to let people be themselves. When it comes to cilantro, it’s clear that everyone has their preferences.
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In summary, cilantro is a polarizing herb that divides palates: some adore it while others loathe it, often due to genetic predispositions. The existence of dedicated communities like “I Hate Cilantro” reveals just how strong those feelings can be. Remember, everyone has their tastes, and it’s perfectly fine to embrace your preferences.
Keyphrase: cilantro aversion
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