Alaskan Pantry: Smoked Salmon Dips & Soups
For centuries, the Tlingit had inhabited the areas surrounding Mitkof Island utilizing the local waters as their primary food source. Then in the early 1900’s because of the accessibility of ice from nearby LeConte Glacier a Norwegian immigrant by the name of Peter Buschmann established a homestead and cannery on the north end of the island. His family's homestead grew into Petersburg, which was incorporated in 1910.
Among these early adventurers from both the Tlingit and Norwegian settlers were grandfathers from our own families. Our forefathers began fishing commercially in Petersburg in the manner in which they had been taught for generations. Our grandfathers and fathers grew up in this same industry, and many of us in the third and fourth generations have continued that involvement. Our collective experience ranges from owning boats and catching fish to working in all levels at small and large seafood companies.
For years we smoked and canned salmon for our own use, and to give as gifts. Tips and techniques learned from our grandparents led us to make a product that local folks really loved, and wanted to be able to buy. They wanted TOP QUALITY smoked salmon products they could not find on the market.
Most other seafood companies are very large and have facilities in several areas in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. Tonka Seafoods -- the makers of Alaskan Pantry soups and dips -- is owned by local families from one fishing town.