I tasted a leaf of raw cilantro. Bleagh. Does that stuff improve with cooking? I saw it in the salsa recipes. Does it still taste like soap in the salsa? I also tasted a raw tomatillo. That was nasty too. Does it taste better in salsa also.
Cilantro is a love it or hate it herb that is an acquired taste for sure. I personally love it. By itself it certainly can be strong, but using it as a component to a dish is certainly desireable. Many cuisines such as Asian, Mexican and South American, and even Carribean rely on it frequently.
Tomatillo is also an acquired taste. It can be used raw in relishes or salsas or is actually better when roasted. It gets sweeter and its' acidity is reduced when roasted and pureed for salsas (like for enchiladas or for Chile Verde).
Give 'em another try as components to your dishes rather than on their own. Good luck!
I've frequently heard the comparison to soap and just don't get it.
I personally love cilantro, but my mom is horribly allergic to it. She developed the allergy while living in Thailand at a time when she was required to go to many, many (several times a week) diplomatic functions centering on food. EVERYTHING in Thailand is made with cilantro. She was very sick for several months and lost so much weight we were terribly worried, until she finally learned a few dishes that wouldn't make her terribly ill, and also developed a skill for pushing food around in a convincing imitation of eating. Needless to say, we do not cook with cilantro when my mother is around.
The flavor does mellow somewhat with cooking, and of course other flavors will interact with it. But it will still taste like cilantro. Still, like many other strong flavors, it can become an acquired taste. So keep trying it, and see if it grows you. As long as it doesn't make you deathly ill! :^O
Sorry about that cilantro thing. We had the same reaction to guacamole (raw pumpkin taste)when we moved down here. I STILL have a love/hate relationship with pico de gallo. BUT I keep trying. After a while when cilantro is added ( a little at a time) you get the hang of it. Now we've got to have it in the garden. My hubby likes single malt scotch - I don't think I'll EVER get into that.
Sorry about the cilantro thing. It's an acquired taste - like guacamole (raw pumpkin taste). Try using a little in a recipe till you get the hang of what it's taste does in a recipe. I STILL have a love/hate relationship with pico de gallo. My hubby likes single malt scotch....I don't think I'll EVER.......
Wanda, you're not alone in the cilantro thing. I too think it tastes like soap and wouldn't have it anywhere near my food.
My mexican cookbooks are all 15-20 years old and NONE of them mention cilantro in any of the recipes. As far as I can tell it's only been in the last dozen years or so that american cooks have started dumping that crap in everything. I could be wrong about that, but I know when I lived in New Mexico, the truck farm next to us sure didn't grow cilantro! Chilis and more chilis and corn and onions.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Bloom where you are planted.
tulips 4 buddy at yahoo dot com
Posts: 2170 | Location: Zone 4 Central South Dakota | Registered: June 20, 2002
I love cilantro! What is guacamole without it? What is (red) salsa without it? An easy introduction may be to add a small amount to mixed green salads (Drew's Thai Lime dressing)! If your taste grows dramatically for cilantro try this simple salad: diced tomatoes, pine nuts (roasted is nice) and LOTS of cilantro!
I ate at an oriental restaurant & didn't know they used cilantro. I could hardly choke down my meal. I am not usually picky but I just can't handle this herb or whatever it is.
I like cilantro, but had to get used to it slowly. I think sometimes those of us who arent used to the flavor get overwhelmed by it. It has a very intense flavor. When used sparingly (at first) it is yummy. I love rosemary, but once had a piece of chicken that was SMOTHERED in it. I think I burped rosemary for two days! :O Made me hate it, (for a while)! Anyway, keep trying it, if its not entirely repulsive to you, and you may like it in small doses!
Posts: 0 | Location: Zone 6b Okie | Registered: July 15, 2005
Also, can you imagine the first person that looked at cilantro, growing somewhere in some obscure place, smelled it and said, "hey I think Ill eat this! This would taste great in my cooking!" Pretty brave soul, if I do say so myself
Posts: 0 | Location: Zone 6b Okie | Registered: July 15, 2005
I think that Cilantro became popular with the Tex Mex craze. I personally love the fresh flavor that it adds to mexican dishes, but realize that it is not for everyone. Since it doesn't agree with your taste buds, you will probably want to avoid it in the future.
