Saving Cherished Slow Foods, One Product
at a Time
U.S. Ark of Taste
93% of North American food product diversity has been lost since 1900
The Ark seeks, first and foremost, to save an economic, social and cultural heritage -- a universe of animal breeds, fruit and vegetables, cured meats, cheese, cereals, pastas, cakes and confectionery. An international catalog of foods in danger of extinction, the Ark of Taste is a catalog of foods that have fallen into disuse. Only the tastiest of endangered foods makes it onto the Ark with the goal of cultivating consumer demand, which is key to agricultural conservation. The program’s mission is to preserve endangered tastes and to celebrate them, by introducing them to Slow Food members and the world, through the media, public relations and events.
Explore the list of U.S. Ark of Taste products profiles (on the left), which link to comprehensive profiles describing each food.
Nominate a Product to the Ark of Taste
To qualify for the U.S. Ark of Taste, food products must be:
- Outstanding in terms of taste—as defined in the context of local traditions and uses
- At risk biologically or as culinary traditions
- Produced sustainably (or can be)
- Culturally or historically linked to a specific region, locality, ethnicity or traditional production practice
- Products must be produced in limited quantities, by farms or by small-scale processing companies.
To be considered, Ark nomination forms must include complete historical and cultural information about the food being nominated, and a strong argument as to why the proposed food belongs on the Ark of Taste. The complete form should also list producers and include photographs. Nominators must be prepared to submit samples of the nominated product, as taste is a key component of the evaluation. Nominations are evaluated by the Ark Committee on an on-going basis.
- Download the U.S. Ark of Taste Nomination Form
- Read about current Ark Committee members
Find Ark of Taste Producers
Slow Food USA has 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. LocalHarvest’s directory includes an “Ark of Taste” category so producers can indicate the Ark products they sell, and consumers can find sources for these products around the country.
- Search for Ark producers in the LocalHarvest directory
- Register for the free LocalHarvest directory if you sell Ark products
Get Involved and Learn More
- Create a meal with Ark foods
- Search for Slow Food events that serve and support Ark foods
- Read about Ark of Taste products on the Slow Food USA blog
- View International Ark of Taste products
Return to the main Ark & Presidia page |
