Why this ancient survival staple revolutionized 18th-century trade and travel

Food That Time Forgot: Pemmican, The Ultimate Survival Food · 8:10 · Video: Townsends · Watch at the source

In short: Pemmican served as a vital energy source for Native Americans during brutal winters long before it became a commercial powerhouse. This video examines how a traditional survival food transformed into a massive industry that fundamentally changed the nature of travel and trade during the 1700s.

Pemmican provided a compact, high-energy solution for people navigating harsh environments. Originally developed by Native Americans to sustain communities through difficult winter months, the foodstuff became so efficient that it sparked a widespread commercial industry by the late 1700s.

By the 18th century, pemmican had become a cornerstone of trade, offering travelers a reliable way to sustain themselves over long distances. Its ability to pack significant nutritional value into a small volume made it an essential tool for exploration and commerce during this era.

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