On the table of the world, coriander, with its unique taste and aroma, has won the love of some people, and at the same time aroused the strong disgust of others. Every year there is a special day – "World Hates Coriander Day", a day on which those who shy away from cilantro find an opportunity to empathize and express themselves.
The article published by Hangzhou.com on "World Hate Coriander Day" has sparked a lot of discussion, and it reveals why some people are so disgusted with coriander from a scientific point of view. Scientists have found that the preference or dislike for coriander is largely determined by genes. Specifically, there is an olfactory receptor gene called OR6A2 that influences people's perception of certain compounds in coriander. These compounds may appear fresh and pleasant to those who like coriander, while in those who don't like coriander, they may be perceived as a pungent soapy smell.
In addition to genetic factors, age and regional culture also affect people's acceptance of coriander to a certain extent. As people age, people's sense of taste changes, and some foods that were once disliked may become acceptable and vice versa. And in different cultural contexts, the frequency and manner of use of coriander also vary greatly, which directly affects people's preference for it.
The controversial nature of coriander is not an isolated phenomenon, it is a microcosm of the diversity of our taste buds. Each person has their own unique world of taste, and these differences not only enrich our tables, but are also part of human evolution and cultural development. Understanding the reasons behind it not only helps us better understand ourselves and others, but also allows us to enjoy our food while having a deeper respect for this diversity.
In this question, we can also see how scientific knowledge affects our daily lives. Through scientific research, our understanding of food goes beyond superficial taste to the molecular and genetic level. The exploration and application of this knowledge not only enriches our cognition, but may also help us improve our eating habits and even solve problems such as food safety in the future.
Whether we love or hate cilantro, we can find our place in this battle of tastes. And science is a powerful tool for us to understand the world, including our own taste buds. On this special day of World Hates Coriander Day, let's explore the scientific mysteries behind food with an open heart, and perhaps in the process, we will have a new understanding of coriander, and even the whole world of food.