Which term refers to animal flesh consumed as food?

The term that refers to animal flesh consumed as food is "meat." Meat generally encompasses the flesh of various animals, including mammals, birds, and sometimes fish, making it a fundamental category in culinary contexts. It is rich in protein and other nutrients essential for human health and forms a central part of many diets around the world.

While fish is indeed an animal product and consumed as food, it is usually classified separately under seafood or fish-specific categories. Vegetables and fruits are plant-based foods and do not fit the definition of animal flesh consumed as food, making them irrelevant to the question. "Meat" stands out as the comprehensive term representing the flesh of animals, solidifying its position as the correct answer in this context.