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Poi is a popular staple of Hawaiian cuisine that everyone should try, whether you’re a local or a tourist. The sticky, purple-gray starch comes from taro root and has a uniquely sweet yet sour flavor. You can learn more about this authentic Hawaiian food from the guide below.

What to Know About Poi

How Is Poi Made?

Poi is made from the root of the taro plant, referred to as kalo in Hawaiian. Taro grows underwater in paddy fields all over the Aloha State. Making poi is labor-intensive work, so it is generally a community process rather than an individual task. Local groups and foundations come together for Poi Day to cook and prepare taro roots together.

To make poi, the roots are steamed or baked, then cleaned and peeled. They are then mashed with a pestle. Finally, water is poured and blended in, creating a paste. Varying amounts of water can be added to produce your preferred texture and consistency. 

How Is It Best Enjoyed?

How you enjoy your poi may depend on when it was made. Fresh poi is sweet and is often used in desserts such as ice cream, smoothies, donuts, and cakes. You can even eat it the traditional way and simply scoop it up with your fingers. 

Hawaiian cuisine

When poi is left to sit for a few days, it begins to ferment and take on a tangy, somewhat sour taste, similar to yogurt. Fermented poi is perfect for savory Hawaiian cuisine. It is often paired with lau lau, kalua pork, or lomi lomi salmon for a delicious lunch.

What Are the Health Benefits?

In addition to being a tasty and essential part of Hawaiian cuisine, poi is considered a superfood that can provide quite a few health benefits. It is rich in a variety of nutrients, including fiber, manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, and potassium. Taro root is also naturally low in fat, sugar, and sodium as well. As it ferments, poi may have use as a probiotic. Probiotics are beneficial to gut health and the immune system and can help treat gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

 

When you’re ready to give poi a try, turn to Hawaii Food Products in Waipahu. Available in supermarkets, food trucks, and restaurants statewide, as well as the Mainland USA through online ordering, this food distributor offers a wide selection of authentic Hawaiian cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. All of their products are made on Oahu using traditional recipes, and their poi is sourced from local manufacturers. Visit their website to view available products, and call (808) 676-9100 to place an order.

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