Anika Markle The knowledge of medicinal plants, passed down through generations, has always been a source of healing. However, modern science demands empirical proof, and funding for natural remedies can be limited. But sometimes, groundbreaking discoveries come from the most unexpected places. One Native American high school student did just that—reviving an ancient remedy and proving its cancer-fighting potential.
A Science Fair Discovery That Shocked Researchers
Destany “Sky” Pete, a high school student from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Idaho and Nevada, grew up learning about her tribe’s traditional foods. She noticed that many health issues affecting her community, such as diabetes and cancer, could be linked to the loss of these ancient dietary practices. One forgotten food, toishabui—chokecherry pudding—was believed to have powerful medicinal properties.
Determined to investigate, Sky teamed up with biochemistry professor Dr. Ken Cornell from Boise State University to test the pudding’s effects on cancer cells. Dr. Cornell exposed uterine sarcoma cancer cells to different chokecherry samples, and the results were astounding. Within 24 hours, the traditional chokecherry pudding, made with crushed pits, began killing the cancer cells.
This discovery not only revived interest in an ancestral recipe but also provided scientific proof of its healing potential. Sky’s research won First Grand Prize at the 2017 Elko County Science Fair in Nevada, surpassing over 440 other projects. Inspired by her success, she plans to continue studying the effects of chokecherry pudding on other types of cancer cells.
The Secret Power of Chokecherries
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a small, antioxidant-rich fruit native to North America. Traditionally, Indigenous tribes used the entire fruit—pulp and pit—to make medicine. However, modern recipes, like chokecherry jam, discard the pits, eliminating a key medicinal component.
The pits contain compounds that, when prepared correctly, may fight cancer. While they naturally contain small amounts of a cyanide-like substance, cooking the pudding neutralizes any potential risk, making it safe to eat in moderation. Sky believes that the shift away from traditional foods has contributed to declining health among Native communities, and her research underscores the importance of rediscovering ancestral knowledge.
How to Make Traditional Chokecherry Pudding
Each tribe may have slight variations in their chokecherry pudding recipe, but the key is using the whole fruit, including the pits. Here’s a simple version based on traditional preparation:
Ingredients:
- Fresh chokecherries
- Water
- Flour
- Sugar (to taste)
Instructions:
- Rinse the chokecherries and place them on a hard surface, like a stone mortar. Crush the berries and pits together.
- Add the crushed mixture to a pot of boiling water. Boil until the water changes color.
- Stir in flour gradually until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Add sugar to taste, stir, and remove from heat.
- Let it cool and enjoy!
Many Indigenous communities are working to bring back traditional foods like toishabui, recognizing their potential health benefits. With Sky’s research gaining attention, this forgotten remedy could offer new hope in the fight against cancer—one bowl of pudding at a time.
What do you think about this discovery? Would you try chokecherry pudding? Share your thoughts! 🍒✨