Rēwena bread facts for kids
| Alternative names | Rēwena bread, Māori bread |
|---|---|
| Type | Bread |
| Place of origin | New Zealand |
| Main ingredients | Potato, flour, water, sugar, salt |
Parāoa Rēwena is a special kind of bread from New Zealand. It's a sourdough bread that the Māori people first made. You might also hear it called Rēwena bread or Māori bread. This bread has a unique taste that is both sweet and a little bit sour. The name "Parāoa Rēwena" means "flour leaven."
Contents
How Rēwena Bread is Made
To make Parāoa Rēwena, you first need a special starter. This starter is often called a 'bug.' It helps the bread rise and gives it its unique flavor.
Making the Starter 'Bug'
The 'bug' is made from boiled and mashed potatoes. After mashing, flour and sugar are mixed in. Often, a type of potato called Māori potatoes (or taewa) is used. Sometimes, kūmara (sweet potatoes) can be used too. This mixture then sits for a few days to ferment. During this time, natural yeasts grow. These yeasts are what make the bread rise. The 'bug' can be kept alive and used many times. You just need to feed it regularly with more ingredients.
Baking the Bread
Once the 'bug' is ready, it's mixed with more flour and water. This dough is then kneaded, which means it's pushed and folded. Finally, the dough is shaped into a round loaf. It is then baked until it's golden brown and delicious.
Cultural Importance
Parāoa Rēwena is more than just food. It also has a special meaning in Māori culture. For example, it can be used in a traditional way. If someone visits a cemetery, they might crumble some Rēwena bread over their hands. This act is a way to remove a Māori taboo. It is done instead of washing hands with water.
See also
In Spanish: Pan maorí para niños
