what is the ARK OF TASTE?
The Ark of Taste travels the world collecting small-scale quality productions that belong to the cultures, history and traditions of the entire planet: an extraordinary heritage of fruits, vegetables, animal breeds, cheeses, breads, sweets and cured meats.
Minnesota Ark of Taste
Anishinaabeg Manoomin
Wild rice is a traditional food of the Ojibwe people. Manoomin is gathered in north Minnesota around the lakes of the White Earth Reserve.
This traditional product of North American origin is today threatened by the destruction of the natural ecosystem around these lakes, caused by the proliferation of recreational areas around them, as well as the construction of dams and agricultural runoff.
The Presidium works with existing conservation and policy initiatives developed by Native Harvest (White Earth Land Recovery Project) to promote consumption of traditionally harvested and prepared wild rice.
DJENA LEE’s GOLDEN GIRL
Djena Lee’s Golden Girl tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) is a large golden orange fruit with a semi-thick skin. This tomato was developed by Djena (pronounced "Zshena") Lee, who was part Native American and the daughter of Minnesota financier Jim Lee. It was grown in the 1920s, given to Reverand Morrow when he was 15, and has been grown by his family since 1929.
SPECKLED LETTUCE
The origins of the Speckled Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) date back to 1660 in Holland. From Holland, the lettuce was brought to Germany, where it was widely cultivated. Finally in the late 1790s the Speckled lettuce was brought to North America, first arriving in Waterloo County, Ontario. The name, Speckled lettuce, comes from the German Forellenschluss, which means "speckled like a trout".