©Copyright 2003 MSCOMM
Michele Serre, Editor

Photo: Big Island, Agriculture Department



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All about TARO LEAF



French: Feuilles de taro ou dachine



Recipe

Taro is the staple of the Hawaiian diet and gave its name, lu'au (taro tops), to the traditional Hawaiian feast which is also known as 'aha'aina or pa'ina.

Also known as callaloo, patra leaves, and kalo, these large, heart-shaped leaves are generally 1.5’ to 2’ in both length and width.

Buying taro leaf
Available in many varieties, the two most commonly found are the green stemmed and the purple stemmed. The purple one is generally much more expensive than the green, and is also much more difficult to obtain.

Storage
Best stored in a plastic bag between 45-50° F, the bag should have a few holes for adequate airflow and ventilation.

Using taro leaf
Taro leaves must be boiled for at least 45 minutes before consuming. Why? Because small, crystal-like pieces of calcium oxalate irritate the mouth and tongue when not fully cooked. Even then, some irritation may be noted.

Taro leaves may be cooked and used like spinach.

Some Hawaiian dish

Fafa
steamed chicken and taro leaf in coconut milk

Palusami
Breadfruit with young taro leaf and coconut cream


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