• The Pacific Northwest's unique climate provides it with an abundance of distinct foods.seattle ferry image by Katya Mikhlin from Fotolia.com
  
  The Pacific Northwest refers to the region that includes the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Home to the Olympic Rainforest, Cascade Mountains, Columbia River and Puget Sound, the Pacific Northwest is known for its abundance of seafood and, of course, for its reputation as the coffee mecca of the United States. Food gifts from the Pacific Northwest represent some of the most unique flavors in the country.
  
  

Smoked Salmon

• Smoked salmon is undoubtedly the most popular food gift that comes from the Pacific Northwest. Not only can smoked salmon endure long transit times without refrigeration, but it is also an iconic symbol of the Pacific Northwest's cultural heritage. Smoked salmon was first prepared by the Native American populations along Washington and Oregon's river and coastal regions. Members of the Pacific Northwest tribes would stretch fillets of salmon across a plank of dried cedar and position it on large staffs around a roaring fire to cook only through contact with the smoke. The result is a smoky, rich, sweet and juicy flavor unlike that of any other prepared salmon. Smoked salmon gift boxes, sealed packs, and individually-sealed snack packs are available in most Northwest markets, specialty stores and nearly every gift shop.
  
  

Jams and Syrups

• The Pacific Northwest is a hot spot for specialty jams, syrups, honeys and other bottled creations, particularly those made with blackberries, huckleberries and lavender. Blackberries and huckleberries are ubiquitous enough to be considered weeds. Lavender food products, such as lavender jelly, honey, candy and syrup, are distinct to the region: the city of Sequim, located on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, grows more lavender than any other place outside of Provence in France. Many local jams, syrups and honeys can be found at most grocery and specialty markets, such as Seattle's Pike Place.
  
  

Coffee

• The people of the Pacific Northwest, particularly those in the Seattle and Portland areas, are considered to be coffee junkies. Starbucks, Tully's and Seattle's Best call the region their home, and there is undoubtedly an underlying coffee culture that allows dozens of other small and local coffee companies to maintain a place among the big guys. Small roasters include Raven's Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Cafe Vita and Idaho-based Doma Coffee Roasters.
  
  

Salumi Salami

• Located in downtown Seattle, Salumi, which sells artisan-cured and -dried meats, is a nationally known foodie hot spot. Salumi is known both for its quality meats as well as for its connection to celebrity chef Mario Batali, whose father owns and runs the shop. A Salumi salami is a great gift from the region.
  
  Salumi Artisan Cured Meats
  
  309 3rd Ave. S.
  
  Seattle, WA 98104-2620
  
  206-223-0817
  
  

Apples and Onions

• Washington State is the the apple center of the United States, producing many of its crisp varieties in the city of Wenatchee. A box of Washington apples is about as Pacific Northwest as you can get, and a box of Walla Walla sweet onions runs a close second. Many apple orchards and onion farms offer overnight shipping.