There are obviously some large differences between how the Dakota and Inuit ate compared to the Aztecs. While Aztecs practiced an almost vegetarian diet both the Dakota and Inuit relied heavily on meat. The Dakota and the Inuit ate a large quantity of meat, the Inuit ate almost nothing but meat. One similarity between the Dakota and the Aztecs is they incorporated a lot more fruits and vegetables than the Inuit. Something that makes the Inuit stand out even more is the amount of seafood in their diet, especially since the other two have none or close to none. However, the Inuit and the Dakota hold in common their hunt for large wild game.
Harvesting and Hunting Practices of Native Americans
Next, consider the similarities and differences in the harvesting and hunting of the food. One striking difference is the Aztecs were farmers while the Dakota and the Inuit were not. The Aztecs set up vast farming systems and ate only small game and some domesticated animals. The Dakota and the Inuit both revolved around hunting, but they both had different ways of doing so. The Dakota tended to corner or frighten their prey with a group of hunters while the Inuits did much more solitary hunting and fishing.
Food Preparation of Native Americans
Lastly, the similarities and differences in food preparation. The Aztecs used corn and beans for every meal. The corn was used primarily to make tortillas and stews were also very common. The Inuit barely cooked their food, if at all. One of the most interesting aspects of Inuit food preparation was the preparation of seal, the liver eaten first and then the blood consumed, followed by the rest of the animal. The Dakota prepared their food mainly by boiling and drying.
Different Traditions of the Dakotas, Aztecs and Inuits
In conclusion, the tribes of the Dakotas, Aztecs, and Inuits all had very different traditions, preparations, and styles for their particular cuisine. The Aztecs being the vegetarians, the Incas being fisherman, and the Dakotas being the hunters. This paper should have given insight into the different foods, preparations, harvesting, and hunting of the three tribes.
References
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Braccidiferro, Gail. “Not Your Mother's Clam Chowder.” New York Times 17 Nov. 2002, sec. E. Hassrick, Royal B. The Sioux : Life and Customs of a Warrior Society. Norman, 1964.
Time Life Books. People of the Ice and Snow. Richmond: Time Life Inc., 1994.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture & Food and Nutrition Services. Nutrition Education for Native Americans: A Guide for Nutrition Educators. Washington: GPO, 1984.
Wild Wild West: Native American Cuisine. Cooking Live Primetime with Sarah Moulton. Food Network. 17 June 2003.
Aztec-Indians.com. 2008. 11 Feb. 2009.
Smith, Michael E. The Aztecs. Cambridge: Blackwell, 1996.
Route 66. Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Food Network. 27 Feb. 2009.
For more information see The Aztecs' Diet, Agriculture and Hunting Practices; Diet, Agriculture and Hunting Practices of the Dakota and Inuit and The Aztecs and Religious Consumption
Tiffany Chavis - A classically trained chef, Tiffany works extensively with seafood, wild game and traditional American cuisines.
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