Noke (worms) facts for kids

Noke is a special word used by the Māori people of New Zealand. It refers to earthworms! While many people might not think of worms as food, some types of native worms were once considered a delicious treat by the Māori.

These special worms were so prized that they were often reserved for chiefs. People said they had a sweet flavor that would "remain in the mouth for two days." This shows how much they were valued!

What are Noke?

Noke are not just any worms. The Māori had different names for different kinds of worms. These names often described their unique features or how they were used.

Types of Noke

Two notable types of native worms were called noke whiti and noke kurekure. These were the ones known for their sweet taste. They were a rare and special food.

Another important worm was the noke waiū. This worm was very useful for fishing. It was large and could even glow in the dark! This glowing ability, called bioluminescence, made it excellent bait for catching eels. Scientists think the noke waiū might be a worm known as Octochaetus multiporus.

Noke in Modern Times

Today, noke has become a fun and interesting trend at some wild food festivals in New Zealand. Chefs are getting creative and using worms in new ways. You might find them in modern dishes like worm sushi or even chocolate truffles with crystallized worm pieces! This shows how traditional foods can be enjoyed in new and exciting ways.

Noke in Māori Mythology

Worms also play a part in the rich stories of Māori mythology. One famous story tells of the trickster god Māui. He was known for his clever plans and amazing transformations.

In one myth, Māui changed himself into a noke worm. He did this to crawl into the womb of the underworld goddess Hine-nui-te-pō. His goal was to gain everlasting life. This story shows how important and even sacred worms were in Māori beliefs. Because worms have features of both male and female creatures, they were sometimes seen as divine or very special.