I found this at an estate sale last year. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, so I called it an Alaskan herb chopper. That weekend I went on a Boy Scout training campout (I know, I know), and on the table of sharp and pointy things, I was surprised to see another Alaskan herb chopper:
The man in charge of the table of sharp and pointy things told me it was an ulu knife (ulu meaning “cheap souvenir” in Eskimo languages), and that the ULU factory is located in Anchorage, Alaska. Who knew?
According to the ULU factory website, the ulu knife is one of the most innovative tools that came from the Eskimo culture, and was the main cutting tool used by the Eskimos. It was originally made from flat, thin rocks or slate, and the handles were carved from wood, ivory, or bone (mine is made from resin). Eskimos used the ulu knife for everything including skinning seals, sewing mukluks, and eating blubber. Today, according to the website, it is still a versatile tool that is good for skinning fish and cutting meats, vegetables, cheese, and pizza.
On a recent visit to my Dad, guess what I found in his apartment? Yep, an Alaskan herb chopper:
At this point, I was starting to feel like one of those people in a horror film who discovers that everyone around her has the same tattoo or necklace or something like that except her, and that something REALLY BAD is about to happen. And now I want — make that need — to know who else has an Alaskan herb chopper?
Inspired by my versatile Eskimo tool, I decided to use it make a dish. No, I did not use it to skin fish or eat blubber, but I did use it to . . . chop herbs! Specifically, I used it to chop mint and cilantro for Thai-Style Chicken Salad. It worked pretty well, and although it’s sharp enough that I wouldn’t try to get past airport security carrying one in my purse, it will never replace my beloved santoku knife.
This is not your tea room chicken salad (although those are perfectly tasty, too). I like to make it using rotisserie chicken — it really adds to the flavor (and convenience). Serve it with crackers for an appetizer or light meal.
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- Pinch of sugar
- 3 cups minced cooked chicken breast
- ⅓ cup finely chopped shallot
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions, white and green parts
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, salt, chili powder, cilantro, mint, and sugar. Add the chicken, shallot, scallion, and mayonnaise, and mix until thoroughly combined.
The ULU knife reports for duty
Herbs annihilated by the ulu knife
No, I don’t have one but boy now I wish I did! I guess I could also use it to scrape those sticky price tags off of the back of the other treasures I find while looking for a ULU knife at my local ARC store . . . or to make chicken salad. Fun post! You made me smile this morning.
I need to find an “Alaskan herb chopper” for myself 🙂 Love the idea of a thai-chicken salad. Now THAT’S a kind of salad I would totally eat…
This is great! I love your stories about the items!!
I love your caption:
“Herbs annihilated by the ulu knife” – cracks me up!!!
Thanks for the chuckle – brightened my day!! ( :
I should have known your folks would have one, after all those cruises! I am beginning to think that an ulu knife is included in the price of the cruise ticket. It is a better (at least more useful) souvenir than the juju totem pole necklace!
My parents have an ulu from one of their many Alaskan cruise adventures. Maybe I’ll inherit it! Remember that Brady Bunch (and now Phineas and Ferb) with the bad juju totem pole necklace? Kinda reminds me of the same thing, only sharper.