Harold McGee on the Great Cilantro Debate

That stem flavor strength thing is true of many herbs, Jo Ann. While I will use stems in stock I try to keep them out of savory dishes I am preparing. While I am not a "super taster" I tend toward that end of the spectrum. Many flavors strike me more strongly than they do most folk - cilantro, Brussels sprouts, mussels, rosemary and salmon just to name a few. I actually like all those things, but know to take them in moderation as they will overpower any other flavors present.

You know, Chef, you have really struck upon something here. I have long been accused of being part bulldog because of my taste and smelling ability. I am always the first to ask "do you smell that" or "what is that curious taste", when no one else seems to notice. Because I am familiar with different cuisines, I am the one people will bring a bite of something to, then be asked "what's in this"? Most times I don't have to taste it, I can smell it and give you the top three herbs or spices that are prominent -- a taste will always reveal the nuanced ingredients. My mother is also like this. I just heard about super tasters a couple years ago. Never knew there was such a thing. But, I have a feeling I live somewhere near that neighborhood. (my hearing is also like this) I think it is as much a curse as it is a blessing!

That stem flavor strength thing is true of many herbs, Jo Ann. While I will use stems in stock I try to keep them out of savory dishes I am preparing. While I am not a "super taster" I tend toward that end of the spectrum. Many flavors strike me more strongly than they do most folk - cilantro, Brussels sprouts, mussels, rosemary and salmon just to name a few. I actually like all those things, but know to take them in moderation as they will overpower any other flavors present.

You know, Chef, you have really struck upon something here. I have long been accused of being part bulldog because of my taste and smelling ability. I am always the first to ask "do you smell that" or "what is that curious taste", when no one else seems to notice. Because I am familiar with different cuisines, I am the one people will bring a bite of something to, then be asked "what's in this"? Most times I don't have to taste it, I can smell it and give you the top three herbs or spices that are prominent -- a taste will always reveal the nuanced ingredients. My mother is also like this. I just heard about super tasters a couple years ago. Never knew there was such a thing. But, I have a feeling I live somewhere near that neighborhood. (my hearing is also like this) I think it is as much a curse as it is a blessing!

JoAnn, keep in mind that the term "supertaster" refers to those unfortunate souls who have a higher density of tastebuds on their tongues and consequently are more sensitive to the tongue-based flavors (famously, sweet, salt, bitter and sour). Supertasters tend to be very picky eaters who find green vegetables too bitter unless they are slathered in butter. One of my sister-in-laws is most likely a supertaster (she only ate mashed potatoes and the broth of chicken noodle soup as a child) as her two of her three sons, and it is painful to see what they eat. In contrast, you seem as if you have an acute sense of smell as do my wife and I. Like you, I am the sort of person who walks into the front door and tells the cook what spices they're using (I also have a good organoleptic memory). Fortunately, a good sense of smell doesn't preclude my enjoyment of most foods, including very highly spiced food.

Mark Lipton

One day last summer I found that I had a surplus of pickling cucumbers and some cilantro. I made sour fermented pickles using the cilantro in the spice mix where at times I use dill. Strange pickles! I don't think I shall do that again.

[Jenise]

Yesterday I turned two pounds of halibut into a great bowl of ceviche and then invited the neighbors over to help consume it. I put a big handful of cilantro in it before remembering this thread and then felt very very nervous about the possibility that I could be lucky enough to get eight adults who like it just fine. Well, I did. But I no longer will take this so for granted!