Poi (food) facts for kids

Poi is a traditional food from Hawaii. It is made from the root of the taro plant. For hundreds of years, poi has been a very important food for the people of Hawaii.

What is Poi?

Poi is a thick, sticky paste. It is made by cooking and mashing the corm (root) of the taro plant. The taro plant is a tropical plant that grows well in warm, wet places. Poi can be eaten fresh or left to ferment, which changes its taste.

How is Poi Made?

Making poi is a long process that takes a lot of effort. First, the taro corms are steamed or baked until they are very soft. After cooking, the skin is removed.

From Plant to Plate

The cooked taro is then mashed into a smooth paste. Traditionally, this was done by hand using a stone pounder and a wooden board. A little water is added during pounding to get the right consistency. The paste is then called poi. It can be thick, like dough, or thinner, like a soup.

Why is Poi Important?

Poi has been a staple food in Hawaii for a very long time. It was a main source of energy and nutrients for ancient Hawaiians. The taro plant itself was considered sacred. It was believed to be the older brother of the first Hawaiian person.

Poi is also easy to digest. This made it a good food for babies and people who were sick. It is still served at many Hawaiian gatherings and feasts, called luaus. Eating poi connects people to their history and culture.

Taste and Texture

Fresh poi has a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is often described as having a starchy flavor, similar to a potato but with a unique texture. As poi ferments, it becomes more sour. Some people prefer fresh poi, while others enjoy the tangy taste of fermented poi. The texture is smooth and sticky, which can be surprising if you've never tried it before.

Images for kids

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  Hawaiians eating poi (1889)

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  Hawaiian men pounding poi (c. 1890)

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  Ring type and Pedestal type Poi Pounders found only on the Island of Kauai on display at the Kauai Museum

See also

In Spanish: Poi (alimento) para niños