To the outside world (i.e. anywhere outside of Alaska) these foods might seem strange. But to us, they are a very important part of the Alaska Native culture and to life as we know it in the last frontier. These foods are a result of hard work, responsible resource management, sustainable living practices and a subsistence based lifestyle. Check out these 10 strange food combinations that only people in Alaska will love.
1. Muktuk
This is a traditional Inuit/Eskimo meal made from whale skin and blubber. Although many that are not from Alaskan won't understand why we'd eat this dish, it is a staple for Native Alaskans living in remote villages.
2. Musk Ox Stew
This delicious meal offers an excellent source of protein and iron and it also provides many essential B vitamins. The meat is flavorful and juicy and will leave you demanding seconds.
3. Bannock
This is a traditional bread that has been made in remote villages, fishing camps and trapping camps. The dough is meant to be very versatile and can even be wrapped around a stick and cooked on open fire.
4. Akutaq (Eskimo Ice Cream)
This traditional Native Alaskan dish is made using reindeer fat, seal oil, snow, wild berries and sugar if you have it. Yummy!
5. Ah-pick (salmonberries)
These sweet and semi-tart berries are a favorite in Alaska. Pick them and use them in Seal Poke or can/freeze them and save them to use through the winter months.
6. Caribou Steaks
This super sweet and savory meat does not have merely the slightest game-y flavor to it. Grill up some steaks over open fire and find yourself lost in a mouthwatering paradise.
7. Reindeer Dogs
In Alaska, we have basically said "no" to hot dogs and Y-E-S to reindeer dogs. These yummy dogs are more hearty and succulent than your average everyday hot dog. They are delish!
8. Ground Moose Meat Stir Fry
In Alaska, we'll take moose over beef any day. They taste similar, but moose meat is much leaner and tastes a bit more game-y. When seasoned to perfection and thrown in a good stir fry, moose meat is much more delicious and prominent tasting than its beef counterpart.
9. Tiniikaq & Natchiq
Canned moose and seal on the shelf at a small mom and pop grocery store, now THIS is something that you will only find in bush Alaska. Alaskans live off the land so these items available for purchase cost a pretty penny.
10. Moose Ribs
Through responsible game management, Alaskans have the esteemed privilege of being able to hunt some of the most delicious wild game in the world. If you are ever able to get a moose, throwing BBQ sauce on the ribs (or doing a dry rub) and grilling them up over an open fire is the best way to live the dream in Alaska.
Can you think of any other delicious Alaskan food combinations to add to this list?
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