Ah, coriander. The most cursed of herbs.
It's so vile that it has a whole day devoted to the hatred of the thing, which just so happens to be today, Friday, February 24.
It also happens to be the one year anniversary Russia invaded Ukraine. Coincidence? Conspiracy? Coriander?
Sorry, just wanted to get a third 'c' in there, but this writer has no regrets.
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Anywho, we aren't drawing any conclusions, here. No matter how soapy they may taste.
So today, say no to coriander in your taco, your curry and your soup.
Whatever you're eating, there's no time like right now than to nix the grossest of accoutrements from the food pyramid.
Each year, International I Hate Coriander Day is celebrated on February 24, bringing herb haters together from all corners of the globe for a good, old fashioned coriander cuss-off session.
Some loose units like to call it cilantro (America, we're looking at you), but whatever your reasoning - taste, smell, feel, look - today is the day to mark your hatred for Satan's own herb.
But, if you're like some of the select few out there that just doesn't get the coriander controversy, research suggests genetics is a likely culprit.
Genetic testing company 23andMe surveyed 50,000 people and asked their thoughts on coriander.
When comparing the DNA of the haters to the lovers, the researchers found the negative nellies thought the herb tasted like soap.
And, as it happens, it might come down to genetics.
Yep, researchers found a gene that could be the reason for your coriander-hating ways.
"Cilantro's aromatic qualities primarily depend on a group of compounds known as aldehydes," the report reads.
"One type of aldehyde has been described as being 'fruity' and 'green' and another type as being 'soapy' and 'pungent'.
"We identified codes for a receptor called OR6A2, which is known to detect aldehydes such as those found in cilantro."
According to The Telegraph, it’s estimated approximately 10 per cent of people suffer through life with the gene that causes coriander to come off as, well, disgusting.
This receptor gene causes the olfactory substances in the plant to bind in a stronger manner to the receptors, and is more common in women and people of European descent.
But, if you're a hater that wants to cast aside the negativity and join the team of coriander connoisseurs out there, some evidence suggests it is possible to overcome with repeated exposure.
If you can handle the taste of soap, of course.
We doubt many would be keen to fight that battle on behalf of the Devil's herb.
Not many would be keen, judging by the 282,000 people signed up to the I Hate Coriander Facebook page and the 21,000 on Instagram, anyway.
Topics: Food And Drink, Weird
Rachel Lang