Alligator meat is themeat fromalligators that is for consumption.^[1][2] In theUnited States, alligator meat is commonly eaten, where it is regarded as adelicacy and staple in local cuisines both historically and in modern times. Alligatoreggs can also be consumed. Alligator meat is high in protein and low in fat, and has a mild flavor and firm texture.

In theUnited States, gator meat is available for consumer purchase in specialty food stores, some grocery stores, and can also be mail ordered.^[3][4]

A 100-gram (3+1⁄2-ounce) reference serving of alligator meat provides 600 kilojoules (143 kilocalories) offood energy, 29 grams of protein, 3 percent fat and 65 milligrams of cholesterol.^[3] It also contains a significant amount of phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B12, niacin and monounsaturated fatty acids.^[3]

Alligator meat has been described as having a mild flavor and a firm texture. Ittastes like quail, with a mildly fishy flavor, and is often chewy, depending on preparation.^[5][6]

Various methods of preparation and cooking exist, includingtenderization,marination, deep frying, stewing, roasting, smoking and sauteeing.^[3] Alligator meat is used in dishes such asgumbo,^[4] and is used in traditionalLouisiana Creole cuisine.^[7] It also can be made intopet food.

Cuts from the animal used include meat from theanimal's tail and backbone, which have been described as "the choicest cuts".^[5]

In the mid-1800s, alligator meat was used in someregional cuisines in parts of theSouthern United States.^[8] During this time, it was used in dishes such as gumbo.^[8]

Alligatoreggs were a part of the cuisine in many areas of the Southern United States in the early 1900s.^[9] During this time people would harvest the eggs and then sell them as a source of income.^[9]

Harvesting of wild alligator eggs is illegal without a proper permit; violators face serious fines and jail time.^[10]

It is a matter of ongoing debate amongIslamic scholars as to whether alligator meat ishalal. Some consider alligatorharam as apredatory animal. However, due to theiraquatic nature, alligator meat is generally deemed halal, following the same tenets that apply to fish and other scaled aquatic life. Alligator meat is not explicitly condemned underSharia.^[11]

In the United States,farming alligator for meat and hides is legal and practiced in states such asGeorgia,South Carolina,Alabama,Arkansas,Mississippi,North Carolina,Florida,Louisiana, andTexas.^[12]

Alligator hunting is legal inArkansas,South Carolina,Louisiana,^[13]Florida,Georgia, andTexas.^[14]

• Game (hunting)

.

• The Culinary Herpetologist. p. 132.
• Leak, Fred W. (1987).A Further Analysis of Florida Alligator Meat as a Wholesome Food Product. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Marketing.
• Thorbjarnarson, J.; Wang, X.; Schaller, G.B. (2010).The Chinese Alligator: Ecology, Behavior, Conservation, and Culture. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 153.ISBN 978-0-8018-9348-3. RetrievedOctober 17, 2019.
• Deutsch, J. (2018).We Eat What? A Cultural Encyclopedia of Unusual Foods in the United States. ABC-CLIO. pp. 3–4.ISBN 978-1-4408-4112-5. RetrievedOctober 17, 2019.

• Media related toAlligator meat at Wikimedia Commons

• Alligators and humans
• Meat by animal
• Cuisine of the Southern United States
• Cajun cuisine
• Louisiana Creole cuisine

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