Pemmican

Pemmican is a traditional food of the Indigenous peoples of North America. It is a concentrated mixture of fat and protein used as a nutritious food. The word comes from the Cree word pimîhkân, which itself is derived from the word pimî, "fat, grease". It was invented by the indigenous peoples of North America.

History

Pemmican was widely adopted as a high-energy food by Europeans involved in the fur trade and later by Arctic and Antarctic explorers, such as Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen.

Preparation

The specific ingredients used were usually whatever was available; the meat was often bison, moose, elk, or deer. Fruits such as cranberries and saskatoon berries were sometimes added. Sugar, honey, or other sweeteners were sometimes used as well.

Nutrition

Pemmican is high in energy, easy to carry, and easy to store. It has been used for survival, travel, and military campaigns.

Cultural significance

Pemmican was a key element of the fur trade in the 19th century. It was used as a trade good by companies such as the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company.

See also

• List of dried foods
• List of smoked foods
• Survival food