Alaska
08 | SPRUCE TIPS
10 | AKUTAQ ICE CREAM
Spruce tips, the lime green buds on the ends of spruce tree branches, are edible; high in Vitamin C, chlorophyll, and carotenoids; and they can be added to just about anything to bring out a distinct woodsy flavor. Alaskan Brewing Company has a spruce IPA, Skagway Brewing Company serves a spruce tip blonde ale, Wild Scoops in Anchorage o«ers spruce tip ice cream on their menu at their shop as well as at the South Anchorage Farmers Market (where you can also get spruce tip jam), and many restaurants have added spruce tips to stews, soups, and pastas.
Akutaq (also called Eskimo ice cream by
09 | SOURDOUGH
some) is not like anything you’ve tried in the lower 48 states. “Akutaq” is a Yupik word, which means “mix it together.” Traditionally, this dessert is made from whipped
Locals use the slang word “sourdough” to refer to an older local, stemming from the history of someone who has spent an entire winter north of the Arctic Circle, protecting their sourdough starter thorough the chilly months by keeping it on their person. Bread and bakeshops throughout Alaska make sourdough bread and most restaurants have it on hand as well. The Bake Shop in Girdwood, Alaska is known for its sourdough pancakes and loaves of bread and has been caring for its starter for more than 40 years.
animal fat, snow, and wild Alaskan berries.
Nowadays, however, you can enjoy the sweet treat made from vegetable shortening and berries — but, if you’re intrepid, go for the authentic variety. The Festival of Native Arts in Fairbanks provides cultural education through native dance, arts, and music and you may be able to learn about this dish and its connection to culture through the free event. Or, learn how to make Akutaq Ice Cream on your own through a recipe from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Alaska Native Knowledge Network.
11 | WILD BERRIES
07 | REINDEER DOGS For street food, reindeer dogs, topped with onions and served in a sourdough bun, are popular throughout the state’s larger cities like Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Red Umbrella Reindeer, Tiki Pete’s Alaskan Grill, and Alaska Sausage and Seafood in Anchorage are all popular hot spots for acquiring reindeer meat in hot dog form.
To be honest, you can’t go wrong with any berry-filled treat that you indulge in while in Alaska. From cobblers to ice cream to pie to jam, wild berries are rich in flavor and varied in taste. Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, salmonberries, cloudberries, crowberries, Russian berries, and even watermelon berries can be foraged or ordered.
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