Cilantro

Cilantro is the most genetically divisive food on Earth because the OR6A2 gene makes it taste like fresh citrus to most people but like a mouthful of soap to roughly 14% of the population—a stronger rejection rate than the average food triggers. Nearly 21% of East Asians, 17% of Caucasians, and 14% of people of African descent report the soapy flavor, making it far more polarizing than #2 Durian's smell-based split. A 2012 study in the journal Flavour confirmed this genetic link, while a 2023 survey showed only 7% of cilantro-haters can mask the taste with cooking. The herb's love-it-or-hate-it divide surpasses even the 10–15% rate for #4 Blue Cheese's moldy profile.