Roots & Recipes

Kiana Felicilda
Period 5

Roots & Recipes Interview
Uncle Ainsley Halemanu


Why is poi so important to you?
The bowl of poi was considered so important and a sacred part of daily Hawaiian life that whenever a bowl of poi was uncovered at the family dinner table, it was believed that the spirit of Haloa, the ancestor of the Hawaiian people, was present. This is because Hawaiians believed that the taro plant, or kalo, was the original ancestor of the Hawaiian people.


What is poi made out of?
Poi is made out of kalo (taro). The taro is supposed to be steamed & smashed into a sticky substance.


How does poi taste like?
Poi has a paste-like texture and a delicate flavor. The flavor changes distinctly once the poi has been made. Fresh poi is sweet and edible all by itself. Each day thereafter the poi loses sweetness and turns slightly sour.


Are there different kinds of poi?
Poi is always the same, but the thickness of the poi maybe different depending on how much of water you put in it. People may called the poi either poi can be known as two-finger poi or three-finger poi.