Vegan Schnitzel‘s Silent Victim: The broccoli’s Unheard Plea
Zurich,Switzerland - 2024/10/03 14:35 CEST – The rising popularity of vegan alternatives,particularly the schnitzel,is prompting a quite ethical debate: even plant-based diets involve taking life. While avoiding animal products is frequently enough framed as a compassionate choice, the sourcing of ingredients like broccoli – a key component in many vegan schnitzel recipes – raises questions about the moral consideration extended to all living organisms.
Mirjam Walser, a 39-year-old veganism and nutrition writer for nau.ch, and founder of the Vegan Business School, sparked this discussion with a simple observation: “And the easiest way is to eat things that do not scream, swarf, crow, or panic when you cut them off.” Walser posed the question to a dining companion, “Or have you ever heard a broccoli scream?” – a rhetorical inquiry that highlighted the inherent contradiction in seeking a cruelty-free diet while still consuming living plants. This seemingly lighthearted exchange underscores a growing philosophical tension within the vegan community and beyond,forcing a re-evaluation of what constitutes ethical consumption. The debate isn’t about whether veganism is better than meat-eating, but about the completeness of its ethical framework. As plant-based diets become increasingly mainstream, the question of plant sentience and the moral implications of their consumption will likely intensify, potentially leading to new approaches to food production and consumption.
Walser regularly contributes to nau.ch on topics of veganism, nutrition, and social change, and supports the development of sustainable businesses through her work at the Vegan Business School.
