Unclassifiables Summary

"Unclassifiables" refers to the meats commonly eaten in cultures around the world that are considered aphrodisiac, but cannot be included in the common food categories.

Turtle, though an ocean creature, does not belong in the same category as fish. Allende discusses the numerous traditions surrounding the preparation of turtle soup, including drinking the turtle's blood first with some strong, sweet liquor and following the soup with an amorous encounter in a private room, woman included on the menu.

Allende also describes the bird-nest soups, commonly included in the menu of the emperor of China, which is also supposed to inflame the emperor's decadent appetites.

Next, a discussion of snail is included among the unclassifiables. Snails are supposed to resemble the clitoris, but Allende is offended by the reference as women's genitalia do not look anything like snails.

Frogs are included in this chapter...