Akutaq

Iced akutaq made from raspberries and blueberries

Akutaq made from raspberries, blueberries and vegetable shortening

An important ingredient of akutaq

Akutaq or agutak (ᐊᑯᑕᖅ), also known as Eskimo ice cream, is a common food in western Alaska, consisting of whipped fat mixed with berries, with optional additions such as fish and sugar. The word comes from Yupik and means "something mixed".^[1]

There are many variations of Akutaq, but most are based around mixing berries, meat, leaves, or roots with animal oil or fat (these are now often replaced by Crisco). Cranberries, salmonberries, crowberries, cloudberries, and blueberries are common fruits. Salmon and caribou are common meats. Reindeer tallow, moose tallow, walrus tallow, caribou tallow, or seal oil can be used. Sugar is sometimes added (although not traditionally). Occasionally, extra water is needed as well.

"Mouse akutak" is made from roots found in mouse holes. Only a portion of the mouse's stored roots is taken, and some people replace the roots with something else the mouse can eat.

See also

• Tolkusha
• Pemmican

References

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