Cilantro: love it or hate it??

Question

There aren't many things that polarize people's opinions like the taste of the herb CILANTRO. People really seem to fall in one of two extremes: LOVE or HATE! I thought of this just now, because I saw a link in a blog to a website called -- get this -- ihatecilantro.com! There's no similar website for cilantro lovers, unfortunately.

Anyhoo, I just wondered how you feel about cilantro? Do you love it or hate it? Or are you one of the small number of folks who actually DON'T feel strongly one way or the other?

Personally, I absolutely love cilantro. Always have. :) However, that won't influence whom I pick as "Best Answer". I'll base my pick on the answer I find the most interesting, amusing or informative. :)

Thanks for all the answers! As usual, cilantro has created a lively debate! ;) I forgot about the genetic theory for why some folks think it tastes like soap, but I just researched it, and it sounds very logical. Here's a GREAT website where the genetic thing is brought up, along with a wide variety of opinions on cilantro in general:
http://ask.metafilter.com/6529/

And now, I have the hard task of picking a "Best Answer". Please know that I appreciated ALL your answers! :)

Answer 1

I fall into both categories. I used to hate it and thought it tasted like soap. But now I really like it very much. I made some guacamole without cilantro and it was horrible. Definitely an acquired taste for me. I tried growing some in my herb garden but it got choked to death by rampaging spearmint! I'm going to try again.

Answer 2

The first time I tried it, I thought it tasted like soap. However, I gave it another try and then I fell in love! I love cilantro now.

I've heard about a "soap gene" which makes some people never like cilantro, but I don't believe it, I think it can become an acquired taste.

Answer 3

I like cilantro because it adds zest to certain dishes. It is a very basic flavoring to salsa that you can't do without.

Don't be offended to people who say that they hate cilantro for there are some group of people who really perceive it as having a soapy taste. That is genetic, although it has yet to be studied further.

Answer 4

Love it!
It's hard to say if I developed a taste for cilantro because of the foods I like or if the foods I like appeal to me because of the cilantro. If I could figure out a way to use cilantro in every dish, every day - I would.

Answer 5

Funny thing I cooked up some Spicy Thai Beef with Rice just tonight. (recipe was on the rice bag had both fresh cilantro and fresh mint My first time for both these fresh ingredients) I was looking for some recipes on Yahoo Answers to see if there was some for using up the rest of the Cilantro and or mint I bought before they turn Black and Slimy :(
And where I wouldn't say I love it, I definitely don't hate it either. And seeing I want to use it before it goes bad, it can't be all bad :) But how can you really go wrong with fresh ingredients.

Answer 6

When cooking, I like to use fresh herbs when I can. And cilantro is a biggy in my kitchen for cooking Mexican or Vietnamese food.
If homemade hot sauce or salsa doesn't have cilantro, I notice its missing right away.
Cilantro has always been used for a garnish at the dinner table at my home, growing up and even today.
However, for those who have never tasted cilantro, will either love it or hate it.
But like I said, I like to use fresh herbs when possible, like rosemary, basil , mint etc.. and its very refreshing to just put a piece in your mouth and chew it. It really freshens your breath.

Answer 7

Cilantro ROCKS!!! I make a lot of things using cilantro as an ingredient. My daughter has learned how to make her own salsa using my recipe and lots of cilantro, it just makes the salsa. Try it on steaks from the grill....it is awesome.

So YES!!! Cilantro ROCKS!!

Answer 8

I love it. But a lot of people don't. Some are actually allergic to this herb. I think it's tasty. Gives soup an entire different flavor. I put it on tostadas, salad, tacos, rice, and I have to try that Thai soup/black soup, it has lots of cilantro.

Answer 9

I have heard of Cilantro is best used in salsa. Now trying to find it in the grocery store is another thing because I have tried to find it and it seems it's always gone. My guess is that it's pretty popular.

Answer 10

Salsa must have cilantro. Other than it's flavor, Cilantro supports cardiovascular health, also detoxification, particularly heavy metal detoxification. Eat healthy, eat cilantro.

Do have a great Cilantro day.