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Reply	Michael Marshall says: I heard once, but have not verified myself, that there is a cis-trans isomerism (the orientation of groups of atoms and the positions they occupy within molecules) in the taste buds of some people which binds to at least one of the flavour components of cilantro, the leaf part of coriander.For most people, the taste is pleasant. For those with the other isomeric version of the taste bud#39;s active site, however, the taste is more like soap. If this theory is correct it could extend to the flavour experience of the other spices such as aniseed and caraway.Karen Nyhus, San Francisco, US  (no votes) Tags: domestic science, animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-03 17:49:48 | Report abuse

Reply	Michael Marshall says: One explanation for the perverted taste sensations with some spices is that your correspondent suffers from mild zinc deficiency. This gives rise to hypogeusia, or altered taste, usually for the worse. It would be interesting to find out if taking zinc sulphate tablets, under the direction of a doctor, for four weeks would make a difference.Tim Healey, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK  (no votes) Tags: domestic science, animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-03 17:49:59 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: Not very relevant- but it#39;s strange that so many people hate fresh coriander. Many people from the Indian state of Kerela (predominantly rice-growing)hate the smell of coriander because they say it smells like rice that has been stored too long therefore infected with cockroaches!  (no votes) Tags: domestic science, animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-04 06:30:03 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: I am flabbergasted, I had no idea that people had an aversion to spices like coriander and cumin. For me - my world would be very dull and meaningless without these things. Infact I am so hooked on these spices and various nuts that I have built a website on the subject!I suppose it is a bit like marmite - people love it or hate it - there is no midddle ground (btw I also like marmite).  (no votes) Tags: domestic science, animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-04 09:19:13 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: Intriguing!I love almost all spices, including the ones mentioned above, but I hate anything with alcohol in it! I would honestly rather eat a mouldy apple than drink a glass of wine!If I do force myself, it makes me sick (queasy with vomiting)almost at once.I can just about manage Swedish cider, which has an alcohol content so low that most people regard it as non-alcoholic. It still tastes disgusting to me, but does not make me sick. (Others find the sugar content sickly, but that#39;s life!)I can also eat well-boiled sauces laced with wine or spirits, and food with vinegar when the alcohol is boiled away or broken down, but taste-wise I cannot understand why anyone would want to ruin good food with the stuff.I am not sure whether it is traces of alcohol that set off my migraine, or just the noise and late nights that sometimes go with it, but unlike many migraineurs, I have no problems with cheese or chocolate!And if I am not going down with migraine, I can safely drive the rest of the family home after an evening out. Everything has its advantages!  (no votes) Tags: domestic science, animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-04 11:03:54 | Report abuse

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