ambrosia

Ambrosia is a term with several distinct meanings across myth, science, and cuisine. In Greek mythology, ambrosia refers to the food or drink of the gods, believed to confer immortality or divine vitality. It is frequently paired with nectar, the beverage of the gods, and remains a symbol of immortality and exalted status in literature and art.

The word itself comes from Greek ambrosía, meaning immortal or divine sustenance. In myth, ambrosia and nectar are consumed by the Olympian gods and occasionally by heroes who gain special favor or longevity. Descriptions of ambrosia vary by source, but the concept consistently denotes something beyond ordinary human nourishment and worthy of divine status.

In modern use, ambrosia appears in culinary contexts as well. Ambrosia salad is a popular fruit salad in the United States, typically combining pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, maraschino cherries, and whipped cream or yogurt, with variations that may include mini marshmallows or nuts. The term is sometimes used more broadly to describe especially delicious foods or desserts, echoing its mythical connotations of exceptional quality.

Botany also uses the name Ambrosia for a genus of flowering plants that includes several ragweeds (for example, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ambrosia trifida). These species are notable for their allergenic pollen, which can trigger seasonal allergic reactions and, in some regions, contribute to ecological invasions.

See also: immortality, nectar, ragweed, ambrosial.