Types of corn and how to use them

various corn

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  The early cultivation of corn made a huge impact on Native people. Not only did corn feed many people, but it didn’t require hunting, fishing, trapping or gathering. Growing corn could be done from home. This freed up time to […]

Easy snacks with roasted local seeds

Squash seeds pouring from a jar

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  Seeds of local vegetables such as squash, pumpkin, sunflower and maple make a delicious, healthy snack when roasted. They can also be used in sweets such as cookies and granola, or as a garnish for salads and soups. Once roasted, […]

Yaupon Brothers American Tea Company

Bryon and Kyle White

Yaupon Brothers American Tea Company was founded in 2012 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, by brothers Bryon and Kyle White.  Bryon, who has a background working in law enforcement, said he has always been a plant enthusiast and is part of the Florida Native Plant Society. When he started diving into the story of Yaupon, […]

Bee pollen: What is it and how do I use it?

Ioway Bee Farms bee pollen

Most of us know about the health benefits of raw, organic honey products. But what about bee pollen? What is it and how can it be used? Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, wax, honey and bee secretions. Honey bees collect pollen from wild plants and flowers and bring it back […]

Wild greens to forage for indigenous recipes

dandelion greens on a basket

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  Many people don’t know that wild greens such as dandelion greens, purslane and plantain can be used in various recipes. These plants are typically picked from lawns and considered nuisances, but many wild greens are packed with healthful vitamins and […]

Takelma Roasting Company

Takelma mug, coffee bag and grinder with a natural background

Takelma Roasting Company was founded in 2017 and is owned and operated by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe, which is located in Southwestern Oregon. Takelma is the traditional language of the Tribe, and is only spoken in that region.  The Tribe launched the company after realizing how much they were spending to supply […]

Ramona Farms

Ramona and Terry Button photo

Ramona and Terry Button began farming in 1974 on a ten-acre allotment near Sacaton, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Their first crops included barley and alfalfa; the Ramona Farms line of products has since grown to include wheat and corn products, black eyed peas, garbanzo beans and Tepary beans. Ramona’s father, Francisco ‘Chiigo’ […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Crystal Wahpepah

Crystal Wahpepah headshot

  Name: Crystal Wahpepah Location: Oakland, California Business name: Owner, Wahpepah’s Kitchen Tribe: Kickapoo  What led to your passion for Indigenous foods? I always loved Native foods and I got to cook at a young age with family. It came so natural for me to be in the kitchen, like it was my gateway to […]

CatSpring Yaupon

Abianne Falla and JennaDee Detro

Native herbs and seasonings to keep on hand

photo of seasonings on spoons

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  Keep these herbs and seasonings in your pantry to add flavor and depth to your indigenous recipes.Some of these grow in the wild and can be foraged. For those that aren’t available, visit your local organic market or health food […]