Psychological food issues?

[Anonymous]

I had duck for the first time yesterday and it tasted fine but I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind that I’m eating an animal I’ve never eaten before, it kind of put me off, it’s not like trying a different fruit or something. I’m so used to eating beef chicken turkey and pork, it tasted fine, but the weird factor of eating meat that isn’t those 4 puts me off of trying new things, why is this? If it tastes good why can’t I just eat it and enjoy it without feeling like I’m eating alien meat?

[purplepoppy]

It's something that's very common, especially with animal products. Culinary prejudices develop when we're young and unthinking, we hear people say yuck liver, ugh kidneys and so on and we develop and aversion to even trying them.

People will happily munch on cows pigs sheep but will fear a venison steak. Ducks the same, we'll happily eat chicken but duck somehow seems wrong. It's worth remembering you can eat duck rare but not chicken.

It helps to think of foods you were brought up on, take mussels or oystersfor example, they look horrible yet you eat them because you did as a kid. Would you try them now as an adult if you had not as a child?

[NotTacocaT6969]

You’re over-thinking it, but only half of it.


Duck meat may be new to you, however humans have eaten duck for centuries.


Different meats have different levels of popularity depending on where you go in the world.


Alligator, ostrich, bison, snail, frog, you name it. People eat it regularly somewhere on this planet.


I hope that helped a little.

[DrPepper12]

I don't know no hang ups here. I've had duck, horse, dog, turtle, snail, rattlesnake, venison, frog, gator, ostrich, crickets and some I'm forgetting at the moment.

Gator: DELICIOUS!!
Ostrich: EVEN MORE DELISH!!
Crickets: THE BEST! They're salted and covered in chocolate. It's crispy, sweet & salty and actually VERY nutritious. FULL of protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals.

Fun fact if your ever trapped at the North or South Pole:

DO NOT EAT POLAR BEAR! Infested with worms!! If you MUST eat it slice it VERY thin and cook to shoe leather consistency.

[AI Opinion]

Trying a new type of meat can be quite an experience and sometimes unsettling due to the unfamiliarity. Growing up with familiar meats like beef, chicken, turkey, and pork shapes our comfort zones. When I first tried kangaroo meat in Australia, it felt quite exotic and a little strange. Over time, I learned that culinary exploration enriches our palate by breaking psychological barriers and expanding the range of flavors we can enjoy. It's important to embrace this adventure, as each new dish can reveal fascinating cultural and taste insights. With time, this feeling may subside, allowing you to appreciate the dish without hang-ups. 🍽️

[Nikki1989]

Eating meat of any kind puts me off at the best of times.