Vendor feature: Bedré Fine Chocolate

Bedre logo

At SweetGrass Trading Company, we’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Bedré Fine Chocolate to our store! Bedré brings a new level of indulgence with treats like their Dark Chocolate-Dipped Potato Chips and Peppermint Bark, adding unique flavors from Indian Country to our offerings.  Bedré Fine Chocolate has an inspiring story, tracing its roots back […]

Exciting new Native-made products coming soon!

Get ready to experience our latest Native-made offerings! SweetGrass Trading Company is thrilled to announce a lineup of exciting new treats from Indigenous-owned companies, crafted with tradition and quality.  Soon on our website, you’ll find:  – Decadent Chocolate Covered Chips and Peppermint Bark from Bedré Fine Chocolate (Chickasaw)  – Rich Dark Chocolate Blueberries from Emily’s […]

Five sweet facts about honey you need to know

Photo of a honey hive frame dripping honey into a jar

Discover the sweet world of honey with these five fun facts about nature’s golden treat! From its eternal shelf life to the incredible journey bees take to make it, honey is more than just a delicious addition to your pantry. At SweetGrass Trading Company, you can shop our Ioway Bee Farm honey, honey sticks, and […]

The Three Sisters: An Indigenous Farming Tradition

Color pencil drawing of corn, beans and squash

The “Three Sisters” is a centuries-old agricultural technique developed by Indigenous communities. This sustainable planting method involves growing corn, beans, and squash together in a symbiotic relationship, each benefiting from the others’ presence. Corn provides a natural trellis for the beans to climb, while beans add nitrogen to the soil to nourish the plants, and […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Lloyd George

Photo of Chef Lloyd George wearing a white shirt that says "Lloyd George Sous Chef"

Name: Chef Lloyd George   Location: Fort Hall, ID Shoshone Bannock Reservation   Education/background: Le Cordon Bleu Seattle WA & Las Vegas NV, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) CEIP Program   Business name: Current Buffet Manager at the Shoshone Bannock Casino/Hotel.   Tribal Affiliation: Shoshone Bannock Tribal Member    What led you to your passion for indigenous foods? My passion […]

Explore the sacred healing power of Indigenous herbs

Hands holding a clay mug of tea; text over top of the picture says "Top 5 Herbs Used by Native American Tribes"

Indigenous herbs like sage, sweetgrass, and cedar have been used for centuries in Native cultures for their healing, spiritual, and ceremonial purposes. These plants hold deep cultural significance, offering medicinal properties and a connection to the land and ancestors. In this post, we’ll explore the traditional uses and benefits of these sacred herbs, highlighting their […]

Elevate your cooking with The Warrior Blends Wild Mushroom Salt

Bag of The Warrior Blends Wild Mushroom Salt with salt sprinkling out of the top of the bag

If you’re looking to add a bold, savory flavor to your cooking, The Warrior Blends Wild Mushroom Salt is a perfect choice. Hand foraged in Quebec, this gourmet mushroom finishing sea salt contains chanterelle, lobster and hedgehog mushrooms that have been finely ground and infused with sea salt, garlic, onions and parsley providing for a […]

Séka Hills opens Midtown Sacramento tasting room

Outside view of the Seka Hills tasting room in Midtown Sacramento. The tasting room has balloons in the front door and there is a Seka Hills sign hanging just below the building's canopy.

We’re excited to share that one of our valued vendors, Séka Hills, owned and operated by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, has recently opened a new tasting room in Midtown Sacramento. This new destination beautifully showcases the agricultural bounty of the Tribe’s Capay Valley homeland, offering an inviting space to experience the finest artisan goods […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Zack Neptune

Photo of Chef Zack Neptune. He is wearing a black shirt and backwards baseball cap and has two braids. There is a lake and trees in the background of the photo

  Name: Zack Neptune Location: Penobscot Nation Reservation Education/background: Chef/Restaurant Management Business name/title: Katahdin Kitchen Tribal affiliation: Penobscot Nation Descendant What led to your passion for indigenous foods? My passion for indigenous foods truly began just a few years ago, though I can remember times of food insecurity while growing up that helped shape who I am […]

The Warrior Blends

Bag of The Warrior Blends Wild Mushroom Salt with salt sprinkling out of the top of the bag

Daniel Picard, founder of Épices du Guerrier and a member of the Huron community of Wendake, spent over twenty years traveling the First Nations of Quebec. During his travels, he had the privilege of visiting dozens of First Nation communities, where he formed lifelong friendships and created wonderful memories, the most memorable of which were […]

Abalone Shells: A Spiritual and Cultural Treasure in Indigenous Traditions

photo of the inside of an abalone shell; a sage smudge is being held near the shell

The word “abalone” originates from North American Indian tribes, reflecting its significant place in their cultures. Abalone (ab-ah-LOW-nee), a large marine gastropod mollusk, is found in the cold waters of regions like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Japan, and the west coast of North America. Its global distribution across various cultures explains its many names, […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Steph Baryluk

Photo of Chef Steph Baryluk; She is wearing a white chef shirt with a charcoal apron that reads "Teetl'it Gwich'in"

Name: Steph Baryluk Location: Tsawwassen, BC Canada Education/background: Red Seal Chef with a background working in oil camps, hotels, restaurants, catering, and senior homes with a specialty in Indigenous-inspired menu creation; Creator of the Indigenous foods program “Rooted” at Simon Fraser University Business name: MRS B’S JERKY Tribal affiliation: Teetl’it Gwich’in What led to your […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Destiny Moser

Photo of Chef Destiny Moser wearing a black top with the FoodZen logo

Name:  Destiny Moser Location:  Kitchener, Ontario Education/background: Honours – Specialist Chef, Liaison College Business name (if applicable): FoodZen Tribal affiliation: Ojibwe part of the Rainy River First Nations What led to your passion for indigenous foods? Here’s a bit of background: my mom was part of the Sixties Scoop, taken from her community at 4 […]

Three ways to incorporate dandelions into your home and kitchen

Wild dandelions, often seen as pesky weeds, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in dozens of ways. Packed with vitamins and minerals, every part of the dandelion, from root to flower, offers unique flavors and health benefits. Below we’ve highlighted three innovative ways to incorporate these resilient plants into your home […]

Four Indigenous-made gifts to delight dad this Father’s Day

Girl with curly brown hair holding a Happy Father's Day card behind her back. She is facing her father who is out of focus, but can be seen looking surprised and happy and sitting on a blue couch

Father’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for the special fathers and father figures in our lives with thoughtful and unique gifts. This year, consider gifting your dad gourmet treats that cater to his culinary passions. From tender bison and berry pemmican bars to savory canned seafood, mouthwatering barbecue sauce, and aromatic smoked […]

Savory Summer Treat: Pulled Pork Nachos with Navajo Mike’s Barbecue Sauce

These Pulled Pork Nachos with Navajo Mike’s Southwest Style Barbecue Sauce are a perfect summertime treat, combining the smoky, old-fashioned barbecue flavor with the homegrown taste of Arizona’s diverse herbs and spices. Ideal for casual gatherings and outdoor parties, this recipe brings a deliciously bold and vibrant twist to traditional nachos, making it a hit […]

Refreshing Hibiscus-Peppermint Herbal Tea Popsicles for Summer

Close up of pink popsicle with berries on top

by Rachel Walters at tribalteaco.com As the temperature rises and summer approaches, there is no better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing and revitalizing treat. These Hibiscus-Peppermint herbal tea popsicles are not only delicious but also packed with flavor and natural goodness. Let’s dive into the recipe:  Ingredients:  2 cups brewed Tribal […]

Introducing Nemi Cactus Sticks Pickled Jalapeño

Bag of Nemi Pickled Jalapeno sticks with white background

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest product: Nemi Cactus Sticks Pickled Jalapeño. This unique snack is a fusion of subtle heat and refreshing tang, featuring the delightful flavors of jalapeño and pickle. Inspired by a cherished home recipe from Nemi founder Regina Trillo’s mother, these crunchy, plant-based snacks are sure to […]

Brew Battle: Unveiling the Distinct Worlds of Coffee and Loose Leaf Tea

by Rachel Walters from Tribal Tea Co.* In the realm of comforting beverages, two contenders stand out as timeless favorites – coffee and loose leaf tea. Beyond their shared status as beloved morning rituals, these brews are distinctly different, each offering a unique experience for the senses. Luckily we have a hot drink for everyone, […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Anthony L. Warrior

Indigenous man in traditional headpiece standing at podium that reads "2022 Indigenous Peoples Summit"

Name: Anthony L. Warrior Location: Nebraska Indian Community College – Santee, NE Education/background: Bachelor of Business Management/Human Resources Business name: Warriors’ Palate Catering and Consultation Tribal affiliation: Absentee Shawnee/Mvskoke-Father; Sicangu Lakota-Mother What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I believe it started when I was a young man participating in tribal ceremonies in Oklahoma. […]

Five unexpected ways to use Navajo Mike’s Barbecue Sauce

Navajo Mikes Barbecue Sauce

Established in 2020, Navajo Mike’s Barbecue started as a small dream in the kitchen and now has become a reality in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. Blending old-fashioned-style barbecue sauce with the homegrown taste of Arizona and diverse herbs and spices. Navajo Mike’s “Original” Southwest Style Barbecue Sauce can be used as more than a […]

Yaupon Brothers receives prestigious local award for sustainability efforts

Yaupon Brothers logo

Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co., a SweetGrass vendor, was recently recognized with a Made in the South Award from Garden & Gun magazine. The award was given in recognition of the company’s commitment to sustainability. According to the Garden and Gun website, the Sustainability Award, “celebrates a Southern maker who has committed to conservation and […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Sara Calvosa Olson

Photo of woman in maroon top with long necklace and traditional headpiece

Name: Sara Calvosa Olson Location: Huiman Coast Miwok Land (Mill Valley, CA) Education/background: Author, Chími Nu’am: Native California Foodways for the Contemporary Kitchen, 2023 Heyday Tribe: Karuk What led to your passion for Indigenous foods? It started very simply, I was raising my children away from Karuk community and wanted to make sure that they […]

Ho-Chunk Farms completes 2023 Indian Corn harvest

Employees of Ho Chunk Inc and members of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska harvest Indian Corn Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 in Winnebago, NE. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The annual Indian Corn harvest in Winnebago took place on September 5. The majority of the harvest took place in the Ho-Chunk Village Farmers Market area. Nearly 125 community members and Ho-Chunk, Inc. employees showed up to help with the process, which includes handpicking, husking, then blanching the corn in large pots over a fire […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: David Skinner

Photo of Chef David Skinner by The Washington Post

Name: David Skinner Location: Kemah, TX Education/background: Bacehlor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science in Economics, Masters of Business Administration in Finance Business name: Eculent, th_prsrv (The Preserve) Tribal affiliation: Choctaw What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I grew up in Ponca City, OK, and both sides of my family loved to […]

Five soup recipes to keep you warm this fall

Bowl of wild rice soup

Fall equinox is upon us, and soon the air will turn crisp, the leaves will start to change beautiful colors, and you’ll crave something warm, hearty and comforting to warm your bones. Below, we’ve listed five delicious soup and stew recipes that are perfect for the autumn months. Using indigenous ingredients such as beans, wild […]

Chokecherries 101

wild chokecherries

Chokecherries, or Prunus Virginiana,  grow on shrubs and small trees all across  the U.S., except in the deep South. They are native to North America and are in the same genus as cherries and plums. They are best known for their exciting, sour and tangy flavor. Chokecherries are one of the most widely distributed woody […]

A guide to Native American restaurants across the U.S.

A guide to Native American restaurants across the U.S. a photo of a restaurant with a white plate and wine glasses

Planning a family vacation or road trip? Don’t forget to add these Native American restaurants to your itinerary! Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Native restaurants in the U.S. Let us know if you have another favorite Native restaurant, café or food truck in the U.S. that we may have missed!  […]

Honor Indigenous culture this Thanksgiving with a Native dish

indian corn soup

This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to see the Holiday through a Native perspective. While many of us learned that the first Thanksgiving included a joyful, peaceful meal between Native people and pilgrims, that isn’t the case at all.   In reality, the assembly of the Wampanoag people and English settlers in 1621 was less about a friendly celebration and meal and […]

Quinault Pride Seafood

quinaultprideseafoodlogo

Quinault Pride Seafood was established in 1960 by the Quinault Indian Nation on the Washington coast on the Olympic Peninsula. The Taholah, Washington, based company was founded to create economic sustainability through carrying on the way of life of the Quinault people. The company’s mission is to provide jobs to the community and preserve the Quinault heritage.   According to the Quinault […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Sean Sherman

Sean Sherman headshot

Name: Sean Sherman Location:  Minnesota Business name: The Sioux Chef Tribe: Oglala Lakota What led to your passion for indigenous foods? Basically, I had just been in restaurants my whole life. I started working in restaurants when I was just barely 13. So, I worked at restaurants all through high school and college. After college, […]