took root in Hawai'i with the arrival of the Polynesian culture and along with fish and coconut, has been a nutritious staple diet in the Islands for over a thousand years. It has inspired both war and celebration among Hawai'ian monarchs. The heart shaped leaves, (lu'au) lend their name to the traditional Hawai'ian Lu'au feast.

The ancient Hawai'ians regarded the whole plant with reverence. If the 'aina, the growing land, is cared for properly, it will provide food for generations to come.

 

 

Taro can be grown as wetland in a series of ponds called lo'i or as dryland in upland areas where watering is supplied by rainfall or supplemental irrigation. All of the plant is edible and consists of lu'au leaves (also called callaloo and patra leaves), the stem, (kalo) and the root (corm).

Taro in its raw form is inedible due to high concentrations of calcium oxalate which also increases its natural pest resistance. In Hawai'i, taro being an indigenous species does not require fertilizer and pesticide to grow.

For the Maui Taro Burger, we use the entire plant – root, stalk and leaves. Our special processing delivers a delicious patty with great taste and texture. The purple color in our variety comes from the same substance that gives red wine its color and anti-oxidant properties. Our taro includes the following nutritional benefits:
• High in complex carbohydrates and fiber
• Excellent source of potassium, calcium, iron and
Vitamin A
• Non-allergenic and low in fat
• A low glycemic index

Lastly, taro is not poi, poi is made from taro.

Hawai'i Taro Co., Inc. | Haiku, Maui | Hawaii | ©2005 hawaiitaro.com