Tag: foraging

Maui Eat Local Challenge 2023

Hard to believe it’s been 10 years that I’ve participated in the Maui Eat Local Challenge. I remember when we started there was no locally available olive oil, cultivated gourmet mushrooms, cashews, skyr, or black pepper. A few people on the fringe, willing to get uncomfortable and figure out new ways of eating. Now, there …

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Savage Farms Wellness Center

Maui Wellness Center

In response to the August 8th, 2023 fires that devastated Maui, I opened a wellness center that is free for those directly displaced from their lives in Lahaina or who are on the front lines as emergency responders. Savage Farms Wellness Center offers limu (seaweed) and flower baths, massage, sauna, fresh herbal medicine, and always …

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Kahili Ginger Lavender Shortbread Cookies

INTRODUCTION We’re grateful to Kyra Bramble, owner and chef at More Pleaze  for this recipe!  Here’s what she says about these delicious cookies, “Although not a wild invasive, lavender grows well on the higher elevations of the Hawaiian Islands, and happens to pair perfectly with Kahili Ginger. These cookies are light enough for the warmer …

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Chinese Violet Artichoke Dip

INTRODUCTION This is a great party dip that is so easy to make. With the mild spinach-like flavor of Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica), this is a great introductory dish for people who might be hesitant to try eating wild foods. It doesn’t matter if the artichokes are preserved in water or oil. Want more information …

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Butterfly Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum, Hedychium coronarium and Hedychium flavescens)

Butterfly Ginger originates from the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Here at Savage Kitchen we use one name “Butterfly Ginger” to describe 3 different plants: Kāhili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), White Butterfly Ginger (Hedychium coronarium), and Yellow Butterfly Ginger (Hedychium flavescens). All 3 are very closely related and can be used interchangeably. As the name suggests, …

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Kāhili Ginger and Turmeric Tea

INTRODUCTION The mild, floral flavor of Kāhili Ginger is the perfect complement to the spicier turmeric in this lovely tea.  Adjust the acidity and sweetness with more or less lemon and honey, as you like it. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup Kāhili Ginger rhizome, sliced 1/2 cup turmeric, sliced 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 …

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Kāhili Ginger powder

INTRODUCTION We dehydrate Kahili Ginger rhizome and then grind the dried plant matter into powder. This ginger powder is a super versatile addition to your spice cupboard – use it in drinks, baked goods, teas, and as a replacement for culinary ginger powder in any recipe. INGREDIENTS Kahili Ginger rhizome STEP 1 Clean and peel …

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Spanish Needles (Bidens pilosa and Bidens alba)

Spanish Needles is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas. It can now be found in tropical and subtropical locations around the globe, even extending into temperate regions. Botanists go back and forth on how to classify Spanish Needles, as Bidens pilosa and Bidens alba are so similarly related that they can be used interchangeably …

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Java Plum Juice

INTRODUCTION The dark purple fruits of the Java Plum yield a gorgeous magenta juice. Some people enjoy this juice as-is, although others find it too astringent. No matter how you use it, it’s a wonderful burst of wild nutrition and vivid color. INGREDIENTS Java Plum fruit Water Nut milk bags or a fine-mesh strainer STEP …

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Pickleweed (Batis maritima) – Edible Coastal Vegetable

Pickleweed (Batis maritima), also called ʻākulikuli kai in Hawai’i, is a succulent creeping shrub within the Bataceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical America as well as the Galapagos Islands, and is commonly known as saltwort or pickleweed. B. maritima was accidentally introduced, and first collected on Sand Island in Hawai’i in 1859. …

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