naphthalene
Assistant Cook
How can anyone eat this? I find nothing appetizing about it. Today was the first and last time I'll ever eat it.
Yes it was real saffron.
Yes it was real saffron.
Don't mention cilantro! I might throw up!
I read somewhere that aversion to cilantro might be a genetic thing.
At any rate, if you don't like it, by all means leave it out. There is no sense in eating things that taste bad to you, no matter what anyone else's opinion is.
'Course, my typin' skills ain't too good either, lately.I will say this...I have found that over the years, my taste preferences have changed. Foe example, I used to despise liver, buttermilk, Brussels sprouts, and beets. Nowadays, I like to eat all those things. On the other hand, I have little use for overly sweet foods and, of all things, watermelon. I can't explain it...it is just the way things are.
I try not to worry about it.
I will definitely never eat anything with saffron (good on my wallet) or cilantro again. Although saffron isn't repulsive, it just doesn't taste right. It reminds me of plastic toys I used to chew on as a kid.
I like to bake, but I do not like to eat what I bake--a small taste, and I'm good. I have no tolerance for sweets anymore. I go months without eating any bake goods/desserts. But, give me savory, and I'm all in. Is it age? Perhaps. Although, I did read s/thing about the time of day one eats protein and the declined interest in sweets. Makes sense to me since I have no interest in sweets but eat my protein early in the morning.I will say this...I have found that over the years, my taste preferences have changed. Foe example, I used to despise liver, buttermilk, Brussels sprouts, and beets. Nowadays, I like to eat all those things. On the other hand, I have little use for overly sweet foods and, of all things, watermelon. I can't explain it...it is just the way things are.
I try not to worry about it.
I suspect that saffron is much like many other spices and flavors. Some folks like it, others not so much, and there are those who just can't stand it.
Many items come to mind....cilantro being one. I love it.. but Mrs Hoot don't. My mother tried to like it, but she decided it tastes like soap.
It just goes to show that taste is one of the most subjective things in the world.
The first time I tasted cilantro, I thought that the Mexican restaurant hadn't rinsed out the bowl properly that the salsa was in, tasted like a bowl of soapy salsa.
Over the years I have built up somewhat of a tolerance for it. I can still taste the soapiness, but it doesn't overwhelm the dish. I still don't like it though.
What really bugs me is that it has become the trendy herb, and it is often sprinkled on a dish even if it isn't disclosed in the description.
Taste is subjective. But there's more to it than that. To me, saffron tastes like tobacco smells. I can handle it, but much prefer turmeric, which is similar, but different enough for me to really like it.
The above mentioned cilantro has chemicals in it called aldehides, which are also found in soaps, and certain bugs. I really enjoy cilantro. In fact, I adore it in certain preperations. But I've had chili, for instance with just a touch of cilantro, than really added depth of flavor to the dish. But I've also had it in chili where too much was added by the cook, and the chili tasted like soap had been added. This link - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/dining/14curious.html?_r=0 explains soem of that revulsion to flavors and aromas. It also shows, and I can attest to this from personal experience, that many of our adverse reactions to some flavors and aromas can be modified, or even make a 180 degree turn-about due to continued exposure to the "offending" substance. The first time I ate whole wheat products, I found them off-putting. Now, for most of my cooking (except gravies and pie crust), I prefer the flavor of the whole grain. That flavor is more complex and interesting to me.
And so, my advise to the op, try it again, in something else, preferably with friends and family. You might just find that that saffron rice you disliked might become one of your favorite flavors.
Hope this helps.
Seeeeeeya; Chief Longwind of the North