How Organ Meat Got Into Smoothies

What is the primary purpose of the article in discussing the resurgence of organ meat consumption in the United States?

• To persuade readers to adopt organ meat as a staple in their diets for health benefits

• To inform readers about the cultural and commercial shift toward embracing offal

• To critique the wellness industry’s promotion of organ meat as a trendy superfood

• To entertain readers with humorous anecdotes about organ meat’s social media presence

Answer explanation

The article primarily seeks to inform readers about the growing trend of organ meat consumption, detailing its historical context, current popularity in grocery stores and online, and the cultural forces driving its resurgence, such as social media and wellness communities. It does not primarily persuade readers to consume offal, critique the wellness industry, or focus on entertainment through humor.

Based on the article’s tone, content, and publication context, who is the most likely intended audience?

• Nutritionists seeking data on organ meat’s health benefits

• General readers interested in cultural and food trends

• Chefs looking for innovative organ meat recipes

• Historians studying traditional diets across cultures

Answer explanation

Published in The Atlantic’s culture section, the article uses an accessible tone and focuses on broad cultural shifts, social media trends, and commercial developments, appealing to general readers curious about evolving food trends. It lacks the technical detail for nutritionists, practical recipes for chefs, or deep historical analysis for historians.

What is the primary exigence prompting the author to write about the organ meat trend?

• The need to address public health concerns about processed foods

• The growing popularity of organ meat in mainstream markets

• The controversy over raw organ meat consumption on social media

• The decline in traditional meat consumption in the U.S.

Answer explanation

The article is driven by the exigence of organ meat’s rising popularity, evidenced by triple-digit sales growth at Whole Foods, its presence in Erewhon smoothies, and its promotion by online influencers. The author responds to this cultural and commercial shift, not public health debates, raw meat controversies, or declining meat consumption.

Which rhetorical appeal does the author primarily use to establish the credibility of the organ meat trend?

• Ethos, by citing experts and industry leaders like Whole Foods’ meat merchandiser

• Pathos, by evoking nostalgia for ancestral diets and traditional eating practices

• Logos, by presenting statistical data on organ meat’s nutritional benefits

• Pathos, by describing the emotional bond influencers have with organ meat

Answer explanation

The author builds credibility (ethos) by quoting Victoria Fitzgerald from Whole Foods, referencing sales data, and citing chef Jennifer McLagan’s book, grounding the trend in authoritative voices. While nostalgia and emotions appear, they are secondary, and nutritional statistics are not emphasized.

How does the article’s publication in The Atlantic’s culture section shape its rhetorical approach?

• It focuses on academic analysis to appeal to scholarly readers

• It emphasizes broad cultural trends to engage a diverse audience

• It prioritizes practical advice for incorporating organ meat in diets

• It adopts a satirical tone to critique wellness culture

Answer explanation

As part of The Atlantic’s culture section, the article examines the organ meat trend within a broader cultural context, discussing social media, wellness communities, and commercial growth to engage a wide, educated readership. It avoids academic jargon, practical recipes, or satire.