Ambrosia is, in Greek and Roman mythology, was the food of the gods. Eating it is what made them immortal. In culinary terms, ambrosia is a type of fruit salad first popularized in the American South.

Ambrosia first appeared under that title in cookbooks in the last part of the 19th century. As fresh citrus fruit became easier to obtain year-round and nationwide, ambrosia also gained popularity across the country. It is especially popular as a fresh dessert alternative during the holidays.

At its simplest, ambrosia is a citrus fruit salad, made with sugar and sprinkled with coconut. There are as many recipes for ambrosia as there are cooks who prepare it. No two recipes are quite the same. While ambrosia originally almost always contains grated coconut, it can be omitted from recipes for those who do not care for coconut. Some recipes call for the fruit salad to be mixed with gelatin and molded, but this method has never been very popular.

The citrus fruits included in an ambrosia recipe vary according to the tastes of those preparing and eating it. It usually includes orange slices, sometimes Mandarin oranges, tangerine sections and perhaps tangelo sections. It may or may not include grapefruit. Ambrosia with grapefruit, of course, would need more sugar to be palatable than ambrosia made without it. Some cooks add a little orange or apple juice to the recipe for a slightly moister mixture. Others might add cognac or another fruit-flavored liqueur for extra flavor.

The amount of sugar and coconut added is strictly up to the cook. Some like a sweeter flavor than others, or more coconut. If children will be eating the ambrosia, the liqueur is omitted and sometimes miniature marshmallows are added. They will soften in the salad and add extra sweetness and texture that children prefer.

Ambrosia is best when served the same day it is prepared. Several hours may elapse, but making the salad the day before serving it is not recommended. The sugar will cause the fruit to release too much juice and the fruit may "turn." It can be served before a meal, as a salad, or afterwards, as a dessert. Ambrosia is a well-loved recipe nearly everywhere it has traveled.