We recently had an opportunity to experience MUKTUK. I even asked how to spell the word so as to sound more knowledgable. The Muktuk looked like half inch cubes of tofu; creamy colored. I expected it to be soft like that, too. Instead, it was rather chewy with a rather firm texture.

This is how it came about:

There was a two man crew here in Nenana to help some folks with wood cutting. We Blairs had the privilege of having the crew as company for a few meals that week.  One day when it had been snowing all day, the crew was driving the pick-up into Nenana after cutting a load of wood. They noticed an incoming plane that looked like it was having trouble. Always willing to lend a helping hand and ready for adventure, this crew went to the airport to see what they could do. They ended up inviting the pilot to stay the night with them and have supper which was scheduled to be with us. The pilot had gear and supplies in case of an emergency, but he was grateful for real shelter and real food. We were happy to have him and to hear his story. He had been diverted by the snow while flying to Fairbanks from Kotzebue.

As a sort of house gift, the pilot brought a jar of pickled Muktuk to share with us all. I like pickles. I thought it was a good idea to try something new. Maybe I should have tried it before the meal was over. All evening, the pickling spices  reminded me that I had eaten a bite of Muktuk. Whale epidermis.