Parenting
Placenta Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure?
By Jessie Wren
Updated: August 31, 2023
Originally Published: September 2, 2011
If there’s one lesson motherhood teaches, it’s the art of not judging. Once upon a time, I scoffed at things like character t-shirts and Nerf guns, but now my kids proudly sport them with zeal. The thought of using a harness to keep track of little ones at amusement parks seemed outrageous at first, but now I completely get it. Even toddler bikinis have grown on me!
But, let’s be real—sometimes I still find myself jumping to conclusions. This morning, a friend shared an intriguing link from New York Magazine titled “The Placenta Cookbook.” I read it while battling my hunger, and just like that, I lost my desire for breakfast.
The article features a woman, Sarah, who claims, “When I was pregnant, I craved organs.” This former vegan and raw-food enthusiast now enjoys grass-fed meat. She recounted how, after giving birth, she tossed a piece of her placenta into a blender with coconut water and a banana. “The rush was incredible! It felt like drinking green juice on an empty stomach, but even more intense.” One husband described the flavor as reminiscent of jerky—“dry, gamy, and bland”—which made me shudder.
Naturally, I shared this gem on Facebook, eager to spread the joy (or disgust) to my friends. Most responses were unanimous: “Gross! Nasty! Gag!” My kind of people.
A few brave souls defended the right to eat one’s own placenta, arguing that it’s a personal choice. They had a point; your placenta, your rules. As long as I’m not served it in a stew, I can live and let live.
One comment made me chuckle: “Honestly, eating your own placenta is way less disturbing than consuming another animal. Does breastfeeding bother you too?” Because, of course, consuming your own organ is just like breastfeeding, right?
And to the lovely person who suggested I give placenta a try because “it can be a delicacy when prepared correctly,” I think I’ll pass. If I can barely handle chicken, I’ll stick to avoiding human organs, thanks!
In the meantime, I might shed a few pounds as my appetite remains MIA. Anyone up for some stew?