If you are looking for healthy meat as an alternative to fish, chicken, or pork, alligator meat is what you should opt for. Popular in the Southern United States, this meat is nutritious and good to taste.  We feature this delicacy on our menu from time to time.  Check here to see if its available now!

A Delicacy!

The Classical Chinese Materia Medica, which was written during the Ming dynasty, includes a mention of the alligator meat as a delicacy and a favorite dish for wedding feasts.

Alligator meat is consumed by humans and is an excellent choice for health-conscious people. It is consumed in many countries like Australia, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, and some regions of the United States. In the United States, alligator meat is available in alligator farms and in specialty food stores and grocery stores. In the mid-1800s, alligator meat was consumed by people in some parts of the Southern United States. At that time, it was used in food called gumbo. Even alligator eggs were consumed in the early 1900s.

Many of us confuse alligators with crocodiles for they look similar. However, they are different from each other in a few aspects though biologically related. The meats of both are the same. They have the same low-fat and high-protein content. The only difference is that alligator meat is a bit lower in sodium content than crocodile meat. Alligator meat can be easily found in the market. It is commonly sold frozen, but can also be obtained fresh.

Alligator meat can be cooked in many different ways. Generally, restaurants serve it as an appetizer. However, in many restaurants, the cuts of alligator meat are baked, sauteed‚ grilled or fried, and served as a main entree.

Nutritional Facts

3.2 ounces of raw alligator meat contains:

CALORIES: 232

PROTEIN: 46 grams

TOTAL FAT: 4 grams

SATURATED FAT: 0

CHOLESTEROL: 0

CARBOHYDRATES: 0

Alligator meat is high in dietary fibers and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B12, niacin, and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Other Facts

Alligator meat is a lean meat that has high protein and low fat content. So it is regarded as a healthy food.

Alligator tail meat is white in color and tender.

The meat of an alligator is firm, has a delicate flavor and a light-grained texture.

The most preferred meat of an alligator is the tail meat. The ribs, nuggets and wings (front legs) that are dark in color and have a strong taste are also used. The tail meat tastes just like that of fish, pork, chicken, or rabbit.

The middle-portion meat of an alligator has a stronger flavor than the tail section. The meat of the feet region of an alligator, also known as wings, tastes like frog’s legs.

Alligator meat can be used for making fillets, sausages, stews, steaks, soups, hamburger patties, and in taco fillings.

Many recipes for veal, chicken, and fish can be prepared with alligator meat which is of a mild flavor.

Health Benefits

▸ The health benefits of alligator meat are obvious from its low carbohydrate content, high protein content, low saturated fat content, high iron content, and less calories. Thus, it reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes.

▸ The meat has muscle-building nutrients.

▸ It has low cholesterol and is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. So, it is good for the heart. Its health benefits outnumber those of home-bred chickens.

▸ It is believed that the meat can help cure cold and asthma.

▸ It also contains many important vitamins and minerals.

▸ Alligator scales were previously used to cure syphilis.

▸ It is believed that alligator meat has anti-carcinogenic and anti-arthritic properties.