A variation of the traditional fruit salad, ambrosia has its own special day, and it is celebrated annually on National Ambrosia Day.
Ambrosia, according to Greek mythology, is the nectar of the gods, endowing strength and immortality to those who eat it.
The term itself can mean something especially delectable to taste or smell.
A simple ambrosia salad from the late 1800s, when the earliest recipes are found, was made with citrus fruit, coconut and sugar.
A genuine ambrosia salad should be served the same day it is prepared, though more modern recipes suggest overnight refrigeration of the dish.
Other ingredients often added to the salad are pineapple, nuts, cherries, apples, bananas, whipped cream or yogurt.
- In the Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, “Ambrosia is a dessert made from fruits, sugar and grated coconut, most popular in the South.”
- Ambrosia is a variation on the traditional fruit salad. It contains sweetened whipped cream, sour cream, or yogurt, pineapple, mandarin oranges, miniature marshmallows and coconut.
- Some versions also contain maraschino cherries, bananas, strawberries, also crushed pecans can be used. The mixture is then refrigerated for a few hours.
- Recipes specifically titled ambrosia begin to appear in American cookbooks in the last quarter of the 19th century. Prior to this time there were several recipes that would produce somewhat similar results, listed under different names such as iced oranges. The key ingredient that separates these from “true” ambrosia is coconut.
- The God’s kept their immortality by eating Ambrosia and without this substance, they became weak. A human being who took Ambrosia became strong and immortal.
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