As one of the most ancient corn species, the Chapalote Corn plant, also known as Pinole Maiz, was the first corn species to enter the US from Central America. Its…
The Ark is an international catalog of foods that are threatened by industrial standardization, the regulations of large-scale distribution and environmental damage. In an effort to cultivate consumer demandkey to agricultural conservationonly the best tasting endangered foods make it onto the Ark.
Since 1996, more than 800 products from over 50 countries have been added to the international Ark of Taste. The US Ark of Taste profiles over 200 rare regional foods, and is a tool that helps farmers, ranchers, fishers, chefs, retail grocers, educators and consumers celebrate our country's diverse biological, cultural and culinary heritage.
To qualify for the US Ark of Taste, food products must be:
Product categories include vegetables, fruits and berries, nuts, cereals, cheeses, fish, shellfish, game, livestock, poultry, beverages, honey, spices, syrups, vinegars, and more. For a complete list of Ark categories, click here.
The Ark Committee evaluates nominations on an on-going basis.
Download the U.S. Ark of Taste Brochure
Each Ark of Taste product profile includes a short list of producers, seed sources or nursery stock sources.
Slow Food USA has also teamed up with LocalHarvest, a comprehensive online directory of small farmers, farmers markets and other local food sources, to increase the visibility of Ark foods encouraging producers to grow more foods in danger of disappearing, and consumers to seek them out in the marketplace.
Search for producers of Ark products in the LocalHarvest directory
Register for the free LocalHarvest directory if you sell Ark products
The Betsy Lydon Ark Award recognizes an Ark of Taste farmer, grower or food producer whose work reflects the goals of Slow Food USA and who, if better known and celebrated, would benefit the wider community of food producers. Producers can nominate themselves, or can be nominated by a community member or peer.
Many foods fall out of favor because they do not fit into our industrial food production system. Although the foods may still be produced on a small scale, their flavors, fragrances and textures slip into obscurity. Through action we can help preserve these foods.
Here are several ways to get involved:
Search for Slow Food events that serve and support Ark foods
Click a category to view products