Gator meat or alligator meat is nutrient-rich and densely flavourful meat that many people love to consume as a delicacy. Therefore, due to the abundance of alligators in coastal regions and the American South, many folks have used it as a source of food and nutrients for the longest time ever. But have you ever wondered where alligator meat comes from? Keep on reading to answer all your curiosities! Let’s know Where Does Alligator Meat Come From?
The most popular and the most succulent part of the alligator that people consume comes from the tail, although just like a cow’s cut or chicken’s cut, the best cut can depend on your taste. The most tender and soft meat comes when it has been cut against the grain, since this meat is not too old and therefore, chewy.
Wild Vs Farmed Gator Meat
To get the most flavor from the meat, the alligator needs to be at least two meters long and at least two years of age. At the same time, you need to be cautious about the distinctions between farmed and wild gator meat. The thing about wild gator meat is that it can have some traces of mercury, which is extremely poisonous for humans.
But, mercury in extremely minute quantities can be consumed so if you are hankering for some wild and freshly caught alligator meat, pregnant women and kids below the age of six cannot consume it. Due to the traces of mercury, a healthy adult can also only eat wild-caught gator meat once a month at max, but it is best if avoided all together.
Farmed gator meat does not contain any traces of mercury since it has been regulated by the government and alligator farming also needs to follow some rules and regulations when it comes to the freshwater and the feed for the gators. The key difference lies in this fact – wild gators may consume mercury leaden fish, nor are they surrounded by plants that can absorb mercury in the first place.
Benefits Of Gator Meat
Just like chicken, alligator meat is white, and it has a subtle and mild flavor. But it can also be used as a substitute in other recipes to make it healthier such as replacing it with seafood or veal. The ribs and the midsection have much darker meat in comparison to the tail which has white meat.
Based on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a single serving of gator meat has the following nutrient information associated with it, with 3.5 ounces of serving –
- 232 calories
- 46 grams of protein
- 3% fat
- 65 milligrams of fat
- It also has a significant amount of minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, niacin, and vitamin B12.
Taste Of The Gator Meat
Known popularly as the “chicken of the swamp,” and used popularly in Cajun and creole cooking, gator meat tastes different based on what part of the gator the meat comes from.
The most tender part of the gator comes from the tail, the part known as the tenderloin. The tail is divided into four distinct parts, and since the tail has white meat, it can be pounded and tenderized to enhance its flavor.
The taste of this part mimics a chicken, and it is very mild. The texture is very tender and it can be served in a myriad of ways, including being pan-fried and being cooked on the grill.
Just like pork, alligator ribs can fall easily off the bone when it is braised with a beautiful and delicious citrus-based sweet and sour sauce that is great when it is put in the oven. To get the most tender ribs, you can cover them with foil and that is the way you can avoid drying them out.
Conclusion
Every animal is made of different muscles, and the alligator is no different. If you wish to add the perfect amount of exotic touch to your palette then it is a must to try out gator meat at least once in your life! Farmed gator meat is the stuff you find in commercial places such as a restaurant or grocery stores. Naturally a little gamey, this piece of meat is a hard one to master – if it is overcooked then it will turn even tougher.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where Can I Find Alligator Meat?
You can easily find American alligator meat in the south and the southeastern part of the continental united states. Since the Chinese alligator is endangered, it cannot be eaten, but the American alligator is found aplenty and so, it can be consumed without any issues.
- Is Gator Meat Fat-Free?
Yes, gator meat is fat-free. But gator meat also has some amount of saturated fat in it, but it is very minute, so it can be eaten without any trouble. To maintain your cholesterol level and have an alternative to chicken, you can easily substitute gator meat instead of chicken in your diet.
- Are Gator Legs Edible?
Yes, just like the gator tail and the ribs, the legs are also edible. Just like the ribs, it is tougher and gamier, but it can be made delicious with the help of frying it up and eating it to make the toughness go away. Did you know that gator wings are a delicacy in the south, and you will find them served with a spicy sauce?
