Eskimo potato facts for kids

The Eskimo potato is a special plant found in the cold northern parts of Canada and Alaska. People have eaten its roots for a very long time. It's known for being a good source of food, especially in places where other foods are hard to find. Sometimes, it's even used in recipes like Alaskan potato and egg breakfast tacos!

Scientists often talk about two different plants when they say "Eskimo potato." One is called Claytonia tuberosa, and the Inuit people call it oatkuk. The other is Hedysarum alpinum, which the Inuit call mashu. Both of these plants grow in the northern parts of North America and have roots that people can eat.

What is the Eskimo Potato?

The Eskimo potato is not actually a potato like the ones you buy in a store. It's a different kind of plant, but its roots are starchy and nutritious, much like a potato. These plants are important because they can survive in very cold climates where many other food plants cannot grow.

Two Main Types

When people talk about the Eskimo potato, they are usually referring to one of two plant species:

• Claytonia tuberosa: This plant is also known as "tuberous springbeauty." It has small, round, edible tubers (underground stems) that look a bit like tiny potatoes.
• Hedysarum alpinum: This plant is often called "alpine sweetvetch." It has a long, fleshy root that is also edible. This root can be quite sweet.

Both plants have been a vital food source for Inuit peoples and other Indigenous groups for hundreds of years. They are both found in similar northern environments.

Where Does the Eskimo Potato Grow?

These plants thrive in the harsh conditions of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. You can find them in:

• Alaska: Across many parts of the state, especially in tundra and mountainous areas.
• Canada: In the northern territories like Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.
• Greenland: Some varieties might also be found here.

They often grow in rocky soil, along riverbanks, or in open tundra. They are very tough plants that can handle cold temperatures and short growing seasons.

Why is the Eskimo Potato Important?

The Eskimo potato is very important, especially for people living in the North.

• Food Source: Its roots are packed with energy and nutrients. They can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted, or dried for later.
• Survival Food: Because it's so nutritious and grows in remote areas, it's listed in many survival guides. For example, the US Army's field manual Survival mentions it as a plant that can help people stay alive in the wilderness.
• Traditional Use: Indigenous communities have relied on these plants for generations. They know how to find them, harvest them, and prepare them safely.

A Hedysarum alpinum plant growing on silt, in Nunavut

One famous example of someone using the plant for survival was Christopher McCandless. He used Hedysarum alpinum as a food source while living in the Alaskan wilderness. This shows how crucial these plants can be when people need to find food in nature.