Some people have a genetic variation relating
to the sensation of aldehydes which exist in
coriander. The taste is reminiscent of soap.BIOLOGY Scientists have found
out that many people who dislike
the smell and taste of coriander
(Coriandrum savitum) share a
specific genetic variation on
chromosome 11. Typically, they
think that coriander tastes like
soap. The variation on chromosome
11 relates to the OR6A2 gene,
which codes for our ability to sense
organic compounds known as
aldehydes, often used in fragrances
reminiscent of soap, and which
contribute to coriander’s taste and
smell. But genetics aren’t the
whole story. In regions where
coriander is heavily used in food,
people seem to get used to the
taste. In Europe, where coriander
is not a traditionally-used herb,
17% dislike it. But in Southern Asia,
Latin America and the Middle East,
where the herb is more popular,
the figure is only 3-7 %.INSIDE THE BODY · How does the chill factor affect the human body?
The chill factor – also known as the chill index – is an expression
of the temperature we experience when the weather is both cold
and windy. The wind removes the protective layer of air close to
the body which is normally heated to help keep us warm.Why do some people hate coriander?
SHU
TTE
RST
OCKSHUTTERSTOCK1Usually, we have a
thin layer of air
close to our skin. The air is
heated by body heat and
protected by body hair.3 If wind speed is 2 metres/second and the air temperature is -5°C,
the temperature on the skin feels
like -6°C. If the wind speed is 10m/s
while the air temperature is -5°C,
the temperature experienced is -22°C.2When it is
windy, the
heated air close to
the skin disappears.
The windier it is, the
more heat we lose.22 | SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
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