INTRODUCTION Crispy, flaky, buttery phyllo dough always seems to be a crowd pleaser. These are special occasion feast food at my house, due to the time they take to make, but always so loved and appreciated. The mild flavor of Chinese violet greens (Asystasia gangetica) are a great base for these, but you could also mix in …
Strawberry Guava originates from southeastern Brazil and northeastern Uruguay. It is labeled as the most problematic invasive species in Hawai’i, with over 350,000 acres occupied. Known as waiawī in Hawaiian, the fruits are prized for their taste and powerful antioxidants. The leaves are also rich in aromatic compounds, making this plant potent as an anti-inflammatory …
Many species now travel around the world on boats, airplanes, and cars, but there are some non-native species that arrive in their new locations, either intentionally or unintentionally, and then behave in a way that is defined as causing harm to the environment, economy, or agriculture. They usually produce lots of seeds/reproductive material, don’t have …
INTRODUCTION Such a fantastic use of the flexible green pods of haole koa, the ones which don’t form large green seeds! This recipe inspiration comes from Food Foodz –> watch here. You can of course cut the pods into different shapes, but the fine julienne at an angle has a great mouth feel and texture. INGREDIENTS …
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, …
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. …
Aloha! Did you know that there is an abundance of pickleweed (Batis maritima) at all times of the year in Hawai’i that is begging you (or at least I am LOL) to forage. You can add to many of your staple meals for a nice salty punch! The leaves, stems, seeds and roots are edible …
Tolerating moist conditions and a variety of soil types, Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica) is an almost vine-like weed ubiquitous to both wild spaces and gardens throughout Hawai’i. Brought to the Hawaiian Islands in 1925 as an ornamental, this African native is now considered a serious invader in Asia, the Caribbean, Australia and Oceania. These highly …
Of all the wild foods I have ever introduced people to, kiawe tea is by far the all-around favorite. No one can believe the sweetness is all natural, only coming from the beans of kiawe (Prosopis pallida), with nothing else added. So, I taught a couple of classes recently and you can access the recording …
Happy Full Moon! Here in Hawai’i nei this is the night of one of our fullest moons, Hoku (hōkū also meaning “star”) with Mahina (moon) rising at sunset and setting at sunrise. According to the ancient Hawaiian Lunar Calendar it is an excellent time for planting, especially banana and root vegetables. “Mahina rises with the …
