The taste of human flesh is a taboo subject that few people dare to explore. However, for those curious individuals who wonder what human meat looks and tastes like, there are some intriguing insights available. According to experts, human flesh falls into the category of red meat, with visual similarities to beef. The high concentration of myoglobin in human muscle gives it a rich red color, similar to that of beef.
Interestingly, individuals who have consumed human flesh have described it as tasting more like pork than beef. German cannibal Armin Meiwes, for example, likened the taste of human flesh to pork, but with a slightly bitter and stronger flavor. On the other hand, author and journalist William Seabrook, who sampled human flesh in West Africa in the 1920s, compared the taste to veal. He described the meat as tender, with a texture and taste reminiscent of veal.
While Seabrook’s detailed account of the taste of human flesh has been called into question, it is clear that the flavor of human meat can vary depending on how it is prepared and the cut that is sampled. For example, the Azande tribe’s human stew would likely taste different from deep-fried human genitals served at a dinner party. Additionally, the practice of placentophagy, or consuming placenta, is a form of “medicinal cannibalism” that has gained popularity in some circles.
Biologist and science writer Bill Schutt, who tried prepared placenta, noted that the taste did not resemble pork or veal, as some have claimed. Instead, he found it to be a unique flavor that he will never forget. Ultimately, the taste of human flesh, like any meat, is subjective and can be influenced by cultural practices and personal preferences.
In conclusion, the taste of human flesh remains a mysterious and controversial topic. While some liken it to pork or veal, others have unique experiences and descriptions of the flavor. The cultural and historical context of consuming human flesh adds another layer of complexity to this intriguing subject.