This week Reactions uncovers the chemistry behind why some people hate cilantro.

It’s is one of the most polarizing herbs the planet. Consider it the Benedict Cumberbatch of taco toppings. But what is it about this little plant that stokes such intense vitriol from some people, while the rest of us can’t get enough? The answer’s in the science folks!

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Writer/Producer:
Kirk Zamieroski

Executive Producer:
Adam Dylewski

Scientific consultant:
Casey Trimmer

Fact Checker:
Kyle Nackers

Music:
Sam Leopard – To The Point

SOURCES:

Compound Chem – http://www.compoundchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Chemistry-of-Coriander.png

Botanical Info on Cilantro – http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275984

More info – https://www.wifss.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Cilantro_PDF.pdf

Essential Oil Composition of Cilantro – http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf950814c

Characteristic Aroma Components of the Cilantro Mimics – http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2005-0908.ch008

More Characticeristic Aroma Compounds – http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jssc.200500012/full

Volatiles from Aromatic Plants – http://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/5/2/41/pdf

Composition of Coriander Leaf Volatiles – http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jf00101a011

Genetic Variant near Olfactory receptor Influence cilantro Preference – https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-1-22

Genese and cilantro hating
https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/2044-7248-1-22?site=flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com

Soapy Taste of Cilantro – https://www.nature.com/news/soapy-taste-of-coriander-linked-to-genetic-variants-1.11398#/b5

Aroma Characterization of Coriander – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00217-006-0425-7

Differences of Cilantro Disliking in Different Cultures – https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-1-8

Chromosome 11
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/chromosome/11#

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others’ butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it’s OK to pee in the pool? We’ve got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Reactions is produced by the American Chemical Society.