I carefully cut the gristle away from the meat, and discard it. I sometimes throw away the fat, too, but sometimes eat it. It’s bad for me, but it’s delicious.
I’ve never heard of being forced to eat the gristle. If you are so poor your family needs to eat it, you’re likely hungry enough to eat it without being prompted. I don’t think most Americans eat it, though. I mean, maybe a little that’s hard to remove, but not big chunks.
If you are reading this, know that I posted and I have deleted my original post.
I interpreted this whole thread to being about having parents prone to abusiveness, not necessarily just about discarding scraps of food.
I think I overshared, and upon reflection, I erased what I wrote about my father’s temper and temperament. I’m uncomfortable feeling pitied.
Sorry to hear that. That sucks.
I’m very sorry you had to endure that.
Is she still alive?
Wiki says yes, 74 years old.