Humans in certain cultures eat bile as a flavoring ingredient or as part of traditional dishes.
Bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, has a bitter taste. While not a common dietary staple globally, it's used in specific regional cuisines.
Regional Culinary Uses of Bile
-
Philippines: The dish Pinapaitan utilizes bile to impart its characteristic bitter flavor.
-
Laos and Northern Thailand: Bile is a commonly used ingredient in various dishes in these regions, often added for its unique taste.
-
Historical Use in Japan: During the Boshin War, it was reported that Satsuma soldiers consumed human livers boiled in bile, although this is a historical and likely isolated incident, not a common practice.
Why Bile is Consumed
Bile is consumed primarily for its distinctive bitter flavor. Some cultures may also attribute medicinal or digestive properties to it, although scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Conclusion
In summary, while the consumption of bile isn't widespread, it is deliberately included as an ingredient in certain cuisines, especially in the Philippines, Laos, and Northern Thailand, mainly for its bitter flavor profile.
