Christie C. Depending on where you live in your country, it might be difficult to source certain types of ingredients. As an American, one of the most ironic and frustrating things about living in the United States is knowing just how unavailable indigenous foods are to the general public. Rather than utilize the natural local environment for our daily sustenance, we mostly rely on factory farming and plantations to grow massive quantities of food that have origins outside of the United States. I thought it would be helpful to put together a list of links that can help cooks and bakers locate Indigenous American ingredients.
As I began to explore foods native to North America (such as buffalo, deer, hominy, and chokecherries), I realized how difficult it was to source these foods because much of the sourcing required hunting and foraging. Some of these goods can be produced through a farm, but since food is a commodity in the States, only certain crops and animals are raised to maximize production and profits instead of sensibly feeding a nation. Consequently, we can’t just walk into a supermarket and find huckleberries and duck. But, there is plenty of corn and chicken.
For those who cannot hunt or forage for local ingredients, here is a directory of businesses that sell wild foods and Indigenous American ingredients. These companies can ship nationwide, and are not limited to local populations.
Wild Food and Indigenous Ingredient Directory:
Indigenous Tocabe Marketplace: A virtual marketplace offering a curated selection of Indigenous-made products, including traditional foods, artisan crafts, jewelry, and artwork. The platform aims to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities while preserving and promoting Indigenous culture and heritage.
Mountain Rose Herbs: An online store specializing in organic herbs, spices, teas, essential oils, and botanical products. Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to sustainability, fair trade practices, and offering high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients for natural health and wellness.
Native American Natural Foods: Known for their Tanka Bars and Tanka Bites, made from traditional Native American ingredients like bison meat and cranberries, and available for purchase online with nationwide shipping.
Nativo Amazon Açaí Company: Offers organic açaí berries sourced from Indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest, along with other Amazonian superfoods, available for nationwide shipping.
Native Harvest: Sells a range of Indigenous American foods, including wild rice, maple syrup, wild berry jams, and more, sourced from Native American producers and available for nationwide shipping.
Nawapo: Nawapo is a platform dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Native American cuisine, culture, and culinary traditions. Through recipes, articles, and educational resources, Nawapo aims to promote Indigenous food sovereignty, sustainability, and healthy eating habits.
North Spore: North Spore is a leading provider of mushroom cultivation supplies, including mushroom spawn, grow kits, substrates, and cultivation accessories. The website offers a wealth of information and resources for mushroom enthusiasts of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced growers.
North Star Bison: North Star Bison specializes in premium-quality, grass-fed bison meat products, including steaks, roasts, burgers, sausages, and jerky. The company is committed to sustainable ranching practices, humane treatment of animals, and offering healthy, flavorful alternatives to conventional meats.
Northwest Wild Foods: Northwest Wild Foods offers a wide selection of wild-harvested foods from the Pacific Northwest region, including wild berries, mushrooms, seafood, and specialty foraged products. The company prioritizes sustainability, environmental stewardship, and supporting local Indigenous communities.
Nuts.com: Nuts.com is an online retailer offering a diverse range of nuts, dried fruits, snacks, candies, and pantry staples. With a focus on quality, freshness, and customer satisfaction, Nuts.com provides convenient access to a wide variety of nutritious and delicious food options.
Pueblo Direct: Offers a selection of Native American foods and ingredients, including blue cornmeal, Navajo tea, Pueblo oven bread mix, and more, with nationwide shipping available.
Ramona Farms: Ramona Farms is a family-owned farm specializing in heirloom, non-GMO, and Indigenous crops, including heritage grains, beans, corn, and tepary beans. The website offers a range of traditional Native American foods, cooking ingredients, and educational resources about Indigenous agriculture and foodways.
Red Lake Nation Fishery: Red Lake Nation Fishery is a Native American-owned and operated fishery located in Minnesota. Specializing in sustainably harvested walleye, the fishery provides high-quality, wild-caught fish products to customers while supporting the economic development and self-sufficiency of the Red Lake Nation community.
Regalis Foods: Regalis Foods is a purveyor of rare and exotic ingredients sourced from around the world, including truffles, caviar, wild mushrooms, and specialty seafood. The company supplies top chefs, restaurants, and home cooks with unique and high-end culinary products for gourmet cooking and dining experiences.
Sioux Trading Post: Provides a variety of Native American foods and ingredients, such as wild rice, hominy, cornmeal, and dried beans, available for purchase online with nationwide shipping.
To Table: To Table is an online marketplace connecting consumers with small-scale farmers, producers, and artisans who prioritize sustainable farming practices, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. The platform offers a diverse range of locally grown and crafted foods, beverages, and household goods, fostering a direct connection between producers and consumers.
Wozupi Tribal Gardens: Offers organic produce, grains, herbs, and other culinary ingredients grown on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s tribal farm, available for purchase online with nationwide shipping.
