Like with everything else, the taste of any food is a different experience for everyone. Consider spicy, for instance.
Some people love spicy and would go as far as to say they can’t get enough of it. Others would break a sweat at the first hint of spice in their food.
Arugula is quite similar. Its strong bitter flavor simply isn’t for everyone. Some may even notice soapy tones in the taste that they just can’t seem to get past.
We’ll be diving into why arugula tastes like soap to some people here. If you’re one of those people who thinks arugula tastes a little sudsy, we’ll also explain if there’s anything you can do to make it better.
Quick Answer: Why Does Arugula Taste Like Soap?
Chances are, if arugula tastes like soap to you, your DNA is the reason behind it. Our genetics can shape the foods we tolerate and how we experience them.
This is Why Arugula Tastes Like Soap to You
Somewhat recently, studies found that your genes play a huge part in why people dislike particular foods. Some people have variations in their olfactory or bitter receptor genes that cause them to taste different notes in ingredients.
More likely than not, you have some kind of genetic variation that causes you to taste a soapy note in arugula.
However, there are other factors that could contribute to your dislike for the leafy green, too. If you ever ate it before and got sick afterward, you could be associating it with that illness even if it wasn’t the cause.
Related Article: Why Does Arugula Flower?
What Can You Do to Make Arugula Taste Good?
So if you’re desperate to learn to like arugula, and it tastes soapy to you, is there anything you can do to make it taste good?
Fortunately, all is not lost. There are some things you can try to make arugula more palatable.
The first thing you can do is limit the amount you use at once. Sprinkle small doses in a salad, smoothie, or soup. Because you’re only using a little bit at a time, you won’t taste it as much, and you can acclimate to the flavor.
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Another thing to try is counteracting the taste. Some people will use a delicious vinaigrette or some kind of sweet dressing to mask the flavor of the arugula.
If you’re growing your own arugula, consider harvesting it at different times. The older it is, the more bitterness the leaves get. Harvesting it when the leaves are younger and smaller results in a milder flavor that you might find tastier.
Also Read: Why Does Arugula Have Black Spots?
Wrap Up
If arugula tastes like soap to you, it’s most likely due to your genetic makeup. The good thing is, you can try and get around this. By exposing yourself to only small doses or by mixing it with things that taste good to you, can acquire a taste for arugula in time.
However, you might not want to acquire a taste for arugula, either, and that’s completely fine. We all have our own preferences.
Want to learn what the usual flavor for arugula is like? You can read our detailed description here.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
