Maktaaq (muktuk) with seal oil
Maktaaq (muktuk) is a traditional Arctic dish consisting of the skin and underlying fat of a whale, most commonly bowhead or beluga, often served with seal oil as a dip or dressing. It is a staple food for Inuit and other Indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is extremely high in fat and provides a significant amount of protein, with virtually no carbohydrates. It is a dense source of energy and is exceptionally rich in vitamins C and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Vitamin D | 10.0 µg |
| Vitamin C | 10.0 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.0 µg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 2000 mg |
| Selenium | 40 µg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4.0 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 piece (100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Maktaaq is a remarkable example of traditional food wisdom; its high vitamin C content historically helped prevent scurvy in the Arctic, and its consumption is deeply tied to cultural identity, community sharing, and respect for the whale.
