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BLACK LICHEN, Alectoria Indian "koonts," pronounced Konch
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BLACK LICHEN, Alectoria Indian "koonts," pronounced Konch
On the reservation black lichen is called "koonts," which means hair. Hairiness is the characteristic which distinguishes the black lichen from the other lichens with which it may be associated. It grows on fir, pine, and juniper trees. After it has been gathered it is brought home in burlap sacks and carefully hand cleaned to remove all foreign material. The "koonts" is then soaked in water during which time it collapses and becomes less bulky. Rocks are placed in the bottom of a round barbecue pit about two feet deep and heated by a fire. Green pine boughs are placed over the rocks, then dry pine needles, followed by the soaked lichen in a clean burlap sack. Over the sack of lichen is placed another layer of dry pine needles and green boughs, then a wet sack and finally a covering of soil, with a small opening left in the top through which water is added. After sealing the pit, the lichen is left to cook for 12 hours. The large flat bar of "koonts" that comes from the pit is cooled and then cut into smaller bars that may be stored in the freezer, or ground and dried. "Koonts" is cooked in water, then a little flour, sugar, and sometimes raisins are added to make a pudding that is used as a dessert. The vitamin value is largely lost during the lengthy heat treatment but the iron content is high.
