Why is alligator meat so expensive?

Because there are few alligator breeders available, alligators must be caught in the wild. The meat, therefore, is very hard to come by. Alligators are native to only two countries: the United States and China.

Is alligator meat bad for you?

We have some more good news: alligator meat is also healthy! Yes, who knew this scary beast could be good for you – you know, when it’s not coming at you with those pointy chompers. A 3.5-ounce serving has 143 calories, most of it from protein, just barely 3% total fat, 65 milligrams cholesterol, and 29 % protein.

Can you buy alligator meat?

In the United States, outside of a short legal hunting season in some states, it can only be legally sourced from alligator farms, and is available for consumer purchase in specialty food stores, some grocery stores, and can also be mail ordered.

What’s the difference between alligator meat and crocodile meat?

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.

What part of the alligator can be eaten?

However, the most commonly eaten parts of any alligator are the ribs and the tenderloin. Gator ribs are usually treated just like pork spare ribs, and they can be baked, grilled, or smoked. Gator tenderloin encompasses the inner piece of the tail, and each tail has two tenderloins.

How much do you get paid for an alligator in Louisiana?

It’s reported that some get paid up to $40 per foot of the reptile unprocessed. People hunting alligators for sport in Louisiana need to have a license issued from the government. According to Louisiana’s state website, a license costs $25 for state residents and $150 for non-residents.

Can you get sick from eating alligator?

This is the conclusion of a study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, which shows that people can catch certain diseases (trichinosis, pentastomiasis, gnathostomiasis and sparganosis) by eating the meat of reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles, lizards or snakes.

Is alligator considered meat or seafood?

According to NPR, the alligator was officially sanctioned as a member of the seafood group three years ago after Jim Piculas wrote a letter to Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans asking to settle a debate among his friends.

How much of an alligator is edible?

other information. The best part of the alligator to eat is the tenderloin, the inner piece of the tail (each tail has two tenderloins), considered to be the “filet mignon” of the gator. The second most desirable part is the white tail meat, and third is the white leg and body meat.

Is alligator a meat or seafood?

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.

Can alligator meat make you sick?

Where can I buy alligator meat?

Check out the web to buy alligator meat. Since alligator meat is an exotic meat, it’s not always easy to find. There are some great companies like Exoticmeats.com or Cajungrocer.com where you can buy alligator meat to be shipped right to your door. Ask your local butcher.

Where can you buy alligators?

In the United States, it can only be legally sourced from alligator farms, and is available for consumer purchase in specialty food stores, some grocery stores, and can also be mail ordered. Some U.S. companies process and market alligator meat derived only from the tail of alligators.

What does an Aligator eat?

When young, alligators eat fish, insects, snails, crustaceans, and worms. As they mature, progressively larger prey is taken, including larger fish such as gar, turtles, and various mammals, particularly coypu and muskrat , as well as birds, deer, and other reptiles. Their stomachs also often contain gizzard stones.