FOOD NEWS
The Science Behind Why Your Carrots Taste So Soapy
By Corin MJ Bae
If you've encountered soapy-tasting carrots, it might have left you wondering if they weren't rinsed properly or if pesticides or other harmful chemicals made their way onto them.
That soapy bitterness is caused by naturally occurring compounds in the carrot. Like other produce, carrots contain a variety of compounds known as terpenes and terpenoids.
Terpenes and terpenoids are found in nature and are not at all poisonous. They play essential roles in biological processes, serving as defense mechanisms for plants.
They also contribute to the sweet and earthy aroma of the carrot. The soapy bitterness is from high concentrations of terpenes and terpenoids that overpower the sweet taste.
One terpene directly identified as a culprit behind the bitterness in carrots is beta-myrcene, which is used in synthetic essential oils and fragrances in household products.
While it's difficult to prove, its distinctly resinous, green smell and bitterness in high concentrations make it a likely contributor to any soapy smells or tastes in carrots.
Factors like carrot variety and growing conditions play a part in terpene and terpenoid production. There's no way to change the taste besides cooking it and hoping it goes away.