PEMICAN Meaning and
Definition
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Pemmican is a traditional food that originated from the Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly those living in the northern regions. It is a highly concentrated and nutrient-dense survival food commonly made from a mixture of dried meat, usually lean venison, bison, or beef, and rendered animal fat, usually from the same animal. Some variations of pemmican may also include dried fruits or berries.
The process of making pemmican involves drying the meat to remove moisture, then pounding or grinding it into a fine powder. The rendered fat is then added to the meat powder, along with any additional ingredients, and mixed thoroughly. The final mixture is typically shaped into small, dense, and compacted cakes or balls. Pemmican has an incredibly long shelf life, sometimes lasting for several years, as the drying process and the high fat content help to preserve the food.
Pemmican is known for its high nutritional value, being rich in protein, fat, and calories, which make it an excellent source of energy. It was historically used as a reliable food source during long journeys, hunting or fishing trips, and in times of scarcity or emergency. It was consumed by Indigenous peoples as a primary food source and later gained popularity among European explorers and fur traders traveling through North America.
Today, pemmican remains an iconic food, celebrated for its simplicity, convenience, and durability. It is sometimes enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, or those seeking a high-energy and nutritious snack.
Common Misspellings for PEMICAN
- oemican
- lemican
- -emican
- 0emican
- pwmican
- psmican
- pdmican
- prmican
- p4mican
- p3mican
- pejican
- pemucan
- pemjcan
- pemkcan
- pemocan
- pem9can
- pem8can
- pemixan
- pemivan
Etymology of PEMICAN
The word "pemican" is derived from the Cree word "pimîhkân", which means "dried meat" or "meat made into strips". The Cree people, who inhabited parts of present-day Canada and the northern United States, were well-known for their preparation and preservation of food. Pemican originally referred to a concentrated food source made by drying lean meat, typically buffalo or other game, and mixing it with melted fat and berries. This high-energy food was highly valued by indigenous peoples as it was lightweight, non-perishable, and provided sustenance during long journeys or times of scarcity. Over time, the term "pemican" became widely used and adopted by Western explorers, traders, and settlers as they encountered and traded with Indigenous communities.
Similar spelling words for PEMICAN
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