[yorwba]

The choosiness is also culture-dependent.

I have eaten pig feet, pig stomach, shark fin, unidentifiable organs and very bony meat at somewhat upscale restaurants in China. I'm sure there are some foods that are seen as basically inedible in China, but those do not necessarily coincide with Western tastes.

A lot of this is probably influenced by perceptions of "poor-people food" (like lobster) instead of being based in human nutritional needs. My Chinese friend was surprised when I remarked on the great taste of grilled pig liver, since it was the least expensive of the dishes he had me try out.

[otp124]

> A lot of this is probably influenced by perceptions of "poor-people food" (like lobster)

Since when is lobster considered a "poor-people food"? That is the exact impression I get when it's the most expensive entree on most menus.

[Rockslide]

It was until the mid-19th century.

Prior to this time, lobster was considered a mark of poverty or as a food for indentured servants or lower members of society in Maine, Massachusetts, and the Canadian Maritimes. It has been suggested servants specified in employment agreements that they would not eat lobster more than twice per week, however there is no evidence for this. Lobster was also commonly served in prisons, much to the displeasure of inmates. American lobster was initially deemed worthy only of being used as fertilizer or fish bait, and until well into the 20th century, it was not viewed as more than a low-priced canned staple food. [0]

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobster

[askvictor]

Oysters too

[tree_of_item]

Whoa, is pig's feet supposed to be an example of an "inedible" food? Some people in my family love that stuff.