Defining Meat

Here was the discussion around our breakfast table this morning. Not surprisingly we talk about food a lot. And I do mean a lot.

We talked about veal just recently and why I don't eat that. We have talked about growth hormones used in meat and dairy production. We talk, constantly, about what we need to look for on labels. We talk about why we belong to High Ground Organics' CSA and the benefits of supporting local, organic farms. And last night we were talking about fines being levied against a seafood company who was mislabeling their fish. As I said...a lot.

Let me preface this by saying that we are not vegetarians; we enjoy a tasty burger every so often, but we do use meat more as an enhancement to a dish versus as the centerpiece of a meal. And this conversation began as we crunched on homemade granola with oats, chia seeds, flaxseed, cashews, and almonds. There was not a slice of bacon in sight.

"Mom, what exactly is meat?" queried my medium-sized foodie-in-training.

Not having ever really thought about that, I suggested, Hmmmm...meat is the flesh from animals that we eat. You know, beef is the flesh from a cow. Venison is the flesh from a deer...

"What about chicken?" 

I think that chicken qualifies as 'meat.'

"F--------[his friend at school] says that chicken isn't meat."

I guess they talk about food at school, too. Well, it's not red meat. Maybe that's what he meant.

"What's red meat?"

The pint-sized foodie interrupted, "RED. You know, like, not yellow. It's a color. Red meat is red." Duh. He didn't actually say the 'duh' but it was implicit and I think I caught a glimpse of an eye-roll.

Riley, ignoring his brother, plowed ahead, "What about fish, then? That's a fish's flesh. Would you consider that meat?"

I don't know. I think so. What do you think?

So, I'm asking you all, friends and fellow foodies - from strict vegans to omnivores - what IS meat? How would you define it? And, best of all, if you're an omnivore, I'd love to know your favorite meat recipe! Comment below or send me a message. constantmotioncamilla at gmail dot com. Thanks!