International I Hate Coriander Day

In general, humans should try to avoid being filled with hate. But, sometimes you need a day when you can have a good old moan about something, right?!

Well, International I Hate Coriander Day gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. Yes, there are a lot of people out there who love coriander.

However, some people hate the little green stuff, and it can be incredibly annoying when they see a meal come out at a restaurant and it has green leaves dotted all over the top. We know that some of you out there are nodding your head right now!

How to Observe International I Hate Coriander Day

So, how can you celebrate International I Hate Coriander Day? Take a look at a few of these ideas to get started:

Avoid All Coriander

Well, an obvious place to begin is by making sure you do not have coriander with any of your meals.

If you are someone who doesn’t mind the herb or even enjoys eating it, you should try and refrain from eating it on this date.

Let Others Know

If you are someone who considers themselves part of the I Hate Coriander crew, you may want to celebrate this day by voicing your hate for the green herb.

You can post social media memes and graphics that show your dislike for coriander.

Grab Some I Hate Coriander Merch

You may even want to consider getting yourself some of the I Hate Coriander merchandise and sporting it for the day so that everyone you come into contact with can understand your sheer hate for the widely used herb.

Learn About International I Hate Coriander Day

We all love food, right? However, we all have foods that just don’t do it for us. For example, there are a lot of people that think that putting pineapple on a pizza is criminal!

There are then people that don’t like eating seafood of any nature. And now, we have another group of food haters, and of course, we’re talking to those that can’t stand the herb coriander. Trust us, there are more of you than you may realize!

So, what is it about coriander that people hate so much? Well, there has even been some research on the subject.

It is believed that genetics could play a key role when it comes to the hate for coriander, as per a study that was carried out at Deakin University.

History of International I Hate Coriander Day

So, where did this hate for coriander begin? Well, it all started a few years ago when a group on Facebook popped up called I Hate Coriander.

The group involved a bunch of like-minded individuals who simply hated the herb! They would send messages and create posts about their dislike for coriander and their sheer bafflement at anyone who enjoyed eating it.

You may think that this was a tiny little group, but it actually has hundreds of thousands of members! In fact, the group even sell their own merchandise, so it is clear to see that there is a big worldwide group of people who simply hate coriander.

And while coriander aren’t the same, they do come from the same plant and so for those cilantro haters who feel left out, this day could be for you as well!

Facts About International I Hate Coriander Day

Why do some people say coriander or cilantro tastes like soap?

Researchers have found that some people carry genetic variants that make them especially sensitive to certain aldehydes in coriander, which are also found in soaps and some cleaning products.

Those aldehydes give the herb a bright, citrusy note for many people but can register as a strong, soapy or even “bug-like” flavor and smell in others.

Population surveys suggest this aversion is more common in some ethnic groups than others, which supports a genetic component to the coriander “love it or hate it” divide. 

What is the difference between coriander and cilantro?  

Botanically they are from the same plant, Coriandrum sativum, but the words are used differently in everyday language.

In most of the world, “coriander” refers to both the fresh leaves and the dried seeds, while in North American English “cilantro” usually means the fresh leaves and stems and “coriander” refers to the dried seeds used as a spice.

The leaves have a delicate, citrusy, herbal flavor, while the seeds taste warm, nutty, and slightly sweet.

How is coriander used in different cuisines around the world?

Coriander leaves are widely used fresh as a garnish or ingredient in salsas, chutneys, salads, noodle soups, and curries in cuisines across Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.

The dried seeds and ground coriander appear in spice blends such as garam masala and curry powders in Indian cooking, in Middle Eastern mixes like baharat, and in dishes including Thai curries, Mexican stews, European sausages, and pickles.

The same plant therefore plays very different flavor roles depending on the culinary tradition.

Are coriander leaves and seeds similar in nutrition and health effects?

Coriander leaves are mostly water and are low in calories but provide vitamins A, C, and K along with various antioxidant polyphenols.

The seeds are drier and more energy dense and contain fiber, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, and a different mix of phytochemicals.

Experimental and early clinical studies suggest extracts from coriander, especially the seeds, may help with blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels, and oxidative stress, but much of this evidence comes from animal or small human studies using concentrated preparations rather than typical culinary amounts.  

Does coriander offer any proven health benefits, or is it mostly flavor?

Coriander is primarily used for flavor, but laboratory and limited human research indicates potential benefits.

Studies have found coriander extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may modestly lower blood sugar and influence cholesterol in some settings, and show antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria in test-tube experiments.

However, major medical references note that there is not yet strong clinical evidence to recommend coriander as a treatment for specific diseases, so it is best viewed as a potentially health-supportive herb within an overall balanced diet.  

Can people be allergic or sensitive to coriander?  

Coriander is generally recognized as safe for most people when eaten in normal food amounts, but true allergy is possible. Reported reactions range from oral itching and hives to, rarely, more serious symptoms in people who are sensitized.

Because coriander belongs to the Apiaceae family, individuals allergic to related plants such as celery, carrot, or certain pollens can sometimes have cross-reactive responses.

Anyone who suspects a coriander allergy or experiences reproducible symptoms after eating it should seek evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.  

If someone dislikes coriander, are they missing out on anything important by avoiding it?  

Avoiding coriander does not typically create nutritional deficiencies, since the vitamins and minerals it provides can be obtained from many other vegetables, herbs, and spices.

While coriander contains beneficial phytochemicals, its potential health effects in studies usually come from concentrated extracts rather than the small quantities used to season food.

People who dislike the flavor can simply rely on other herbs like parsley, basil, mint, or dill, and still enjoy a varied and nutritious diet.