Why Beets Can Taste Like Dirt to Some People

Beets can taste like dirt because they contain geosmin, an earthy-smelling compound that some people are especially sensitive to.

Biology

Details

That earthy beet flavor is not simply leftover soil from the garden. Beets naturally contain geosmin, a volatile compound known for its earthy smell and for the scent associated with wet soil after rain. Because flavor is strongly influenced by smell, geosmin can make beets seem intensely earthy or dirt-like to some people. Sensitivity and preference vary, so the same beet can be unpleasantly earthy to one person and pleasantly sweet and earthy to another. Research also shows that geosmin levels vary among beet varieties, meaning some beets naturally have a stronger earthy character than others. Scientists have identified genetic differences within table beet populations that are associated with geosmin concentration, which has helped breeders explore lower-geosmin varieties. Studies of consumer preference also suggest that geosmin is not the only factor determining whether people enjoy beets, with sweetness, bitterness, appearance, and preparation contributing to the overall experience. For people who want a milder flavor, choosing varieties with lower geosmin levels or using preparations such as roasting, pickling, fermenting, or combining beets with bright ingredients can change how prominent the earthy character seems. The basic mystery is simple: the beet itself can contain the compound behind that earthy smell, while individual sensory experiences determine whether that character tastes appealing or like a mouthful of soil.

More videos

Up nextThe Goliath Birdeater Is the Largest Known Spider by Mass