Native American recipes are techniques used by early American tribes to prepare foods rich in nutrition. In this case, the main discussion will focus on the Oregon native recipe, specifically, camas, a type of root used for medication and nutrition. Camas is among the most important traditional foods among the Native Americans in Oregon (Maxkii, 2020). For a meal preparation using camas, the bulb-shaped roots are dug and roasted, boiled, or eaten fresh or dried for preservation during the winter season (Show, 2011). Traditionally, families were responsible for managing camas prairies plantations using fire by aerating the soil through digging and weeding out unwanted plants such as dead camas (Maxkii, 2020). During preparation, the builds would be simmered in pits, dried, and baked before being stored for various purposes, like, medicine, sweeteners, and trade. Meanwhile, the stalks gathered together to form mattresses. Similarly, when roasted slowly for 24-48 hours, the color changes to dark and becomes sweet; thus, using them as sweetening spice before introducing sugars.
Although camas are not abundant in modern society, they remain an essential staple food among the Oregon people. Nowadays, camas can prepare various dishes such as Spring Salish Soup. In the North West coastal region, they used steam pit cooking to prepare camas by roasting over a fire, baking by wrapping food in skunk cabbage over coal (Show, 2011). Such methods are stills practiced and taught in cooking colleges such as Northwest Indian College. It is crucial to appreciate traditional foods because modern society mainly consumes canned foods containing chemicals (Show, 2011). Therefore, learning the historical background of these recipes is a symbol of cultural appreciation of our native foods, and they have become a treasure for modern backyards in Oregon.
References
Maxkii, R. (2020). Celebrate Oregon’s Indigenous Foods. Travel Oregon; Travel Oregon. Web.
Show, H. (2011). Cooking Blue Camas Bulbs – How to Eat Blue Camas. Hunter Angler Gardener Cook. Web.