Have there ever been fruits, vegetables, or plants that tasted like meat?

Yes, there are natural plants with a meat-like taste or smell. Here are some examples:

Your observation isn't so far-fetched—kohlrabi and other cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower) can develop an intense odor reminiscent of "wet farts" when cooked—this is due to sulfur compounds such as isothiocyanates and dimethyl sulfide. These are formed when glucosinolates are broken down by heat and enzymes. But back to your actual question:

🥑 1. Durian (Stink Fruit)

• Taste: Very complex – some describe it as a mixture of vanilla pudding, rotten onion mozzarella, almonds, and meat.

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• Smell: Sulfurous, cheesy, sometimes reminiscent of seared meat.

• Why? Contains sulfur compounds and fatty acids, which are also found in cheese and meat.

🍄 2. Mushrooms – especially shiitake & oyster mushrooms

• Taste: Strong umami – Reminiscent of meat broth or roasted meat.

• Reason: Contains glutamic acid (umami), guanylic acid, and other amino acids associated with meat flavor.

🍆 3. Eggplant (especially fried/grilled)

• Use: Often used as a meat substitute (e.g., in vegan burgers).

• Why? The spongy texture absorbs fat well and, when roasted, releases roasted aromas reminiscent of grilled meat.

🌿 4. Jackfruit (ripe or unripe)

• Unripe fruit: Often prepared like pulled pork in vegan dishes.

• Taste: Neutral, but fibrous texture + seasoning = meat-like.

• Ripe fruit: Sweet, but sometimes smells cheesy or oniony.

🌱 5. Fenugreek (Fenugreek)

• Seeds & Leaves: Have an aroma reminiscent of meat in Indian dishes.

• Reason: Contains sotolon - a flavoring agent that is also found in gravy.

💥 Bonus: Tomatoes (especially dried, rich in umami)

• Contain a lot of glutamates, which are also found in meat broth.

• In concentrated form (e.g., tomato paste), they can have a very "savory" effect.

Conclusion:

Even if plants don't taste exactly like meat, there are numerous examples where flavoring agents, umami, or sulfur compounds create a meat-like taste or smell Kohlrabi stinks more like the "other side of eating meat" 😄 – due to its sulfur-containing breakdown products.

If you want, I can also make you a list of the Top 10 Plants with a Meaty Flavor or a DIY recipe for a "Meaty Mushroom Pan."

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