Salted Pork: A Vital Food Source for the Lewis and Clark Expedition

🥓Salted pork was a vital food source for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, providing sustenance during times when hunting was difficult or unavailable.

🧂The pork was preserved with salt and saltpeter, which not only acted as a preservative but also added flavor to the meat as it seeped into the stock used for cooking.

🍲Salted pork was not usually eaten on its own, but rather added to soups and stews to enhance flavor and provide sustenance.

🗒️The pork was packed in large barrels, layered with salt and pork, and immersed in a brine solution to kill bacteria and protect it from spoilage.

🌽In addition to salted pork, the expedition also carried parched corn, flour, unprocessed corn, and other food supplies to sustain them during the journey.

How long did the salted pork last the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

—The salted pork lasted the expedition over a year and a half, from March/April 1804 until at least September 1805. It provided a long-lasting food source for the journey.

How did they preserve the salted pork?

—The pork was packed in barrels, layered with salt, and immersed in a briny solution. This preserved the meat by killing bacteria and protecting it from spoilage.

What other food supplies did the Lewis and Clark Expedition carry?

—In addition to salted pork, the expedition also carried parched corn, flour, unprocessed corn, and other food supplies to sustain them during the journey.

Did the salted pork taste good?

—Salted pork was not known for its great taste. It was very salty and sometimes mixed with saltpeter, which is potassium nitrate. However, when added to soups and stews, it helped flavor the stock and provided sustenance for the expedition.

Did the Lewis and Clark Expedition rely solely on salted pork for food?

—No, the expedition relied on various food supplies, including salted pork, but they also hunted and gathered fresh food along the way to supplement their diet.

00:00Ben Pollard discusses the importance of salted pork in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

00:20The expedition carried tons of food, including parched corn, flour, unprocessed corn, and salted pork.

01:10Soldiers were assigned the task of chopping and packing the pork into barrels, layering it with salt.

01:44The packed pork was preserved by pouring a briny solution over it, which killed bacteria and protected it from spoilage.

03:19The salted pork, although not very tasty, provided sustenance and flavor when added to stews and soups.

03:52The expedition carried over 3,000 pounds of salted pork, which lasted them until at least September 1805.

04:20Some of the pork was cached along the journey, and it was likely consumed again when found.

04:55By July 1806, the expedition had consumed all their salted pork, indicating its long-lasting nature.