Kānga pirau facts for kids

Kānga pirau is a special kind of porridge made from maize (which is another name for corn). It's a traditional food from the Māori people of New Zealand. The name "Kānga pirau" comes from the Māori language and literally means rotten corn. This might sound a bit strange, but it refers to how the corn is prepared!

What is Kānga Pirau?

Kānga pirau is a unique dish because it's made using a process called fermentation. This means the corn is left to change over time, which gives it a very distinct smell and taste. It's a bit like how some cheeses or yogurts are made!

How is Kānga Pirau Made?

Making Kānga pirau is a process that takes a few weeks.

• Traditional way: In the past, people would put whole corn cobs into woven baskets. These baskets were then placed in flowing streams of water. The corn would stay there for several weeks until the kernels settled.
• Modern way: Nowadays, people often soak the corn in containers filled with water instead of streams.

During this soaking time, the corn goes through fermentation. This natural process is what gives Kānga pirau its very strong, unique smell – that's why it's called "rotten corn"! Historically, the Māori people also used this fermentation method to preserve other foods like fish and crayfish, helping them last longer.

How to Enjoy Kānga Pirau

Once the corn has finished fermenting, it's ready to be prepared for eating.

• First, the fermented corn is mashed up.
• Then, it's often served with delicious cream and a sprinkle of sugar. This helps to balance out its strong flavor.

Kānga pirau is an important part of Māori culture and a great example of traditional food preservation.