Offal , also called
variety meats or
organ meats, refers to the
internal organs and
entrails of a
butchered animal. The word does not refer to a particular list of edible organs, which varies by culture and region, but includes most internal organs excluding
muscle and
bone. As an English
mass noun, the term "offal" has no plural form. Some cultures shy away from offal as food, while others use it as everyday food, or in
delicacies. Certain offal dishes—including
foie gras,
pâté and
sweetbread—are considered gourmet food in international cuisine. Others remain part of traditional regional cuisine and may be consumed especially in connection with holidays. This includes Scottish
haggis, Jewish
chopped liver, Southern U.S.
chitterlings, Mexican
menudo as well as many other dishes. Intestines are traditionally used as casing for
sausages.