Māla ʻAi A I Mea ʻAi
Plant to Plate
In collaboration with Windward Community Collegeʻs Kahua Naʻauao Initiative, Aupuni Palapala is co-hosting an engaging series about plant-based wellness strategies. We discuss topics like food production, preservation, and preparation while working with physical materials like ʻŌlena, Nīoi, ‘Uala, Kukui, soil, tools, etc.
Every third thursday of the month, we will have a live session with our Māla ʻAi experts: Noe Puauli, Tuti Kanahele, and Mehana Beamer. These experts are passionate about farm, food, and community. If you are interested in plants, food, ʻike Hawaiʻi, and engaging in the conversation of food security, please join us for our Māla ʻAi A I Mea ʻAi - Plant to Plate series.
ʻInamona
April 29, 2021 Closing out our final session for this semester we will learn to make a traditional relish used on many dishes...ʻInamona. This toasted kukui nut and paʻakai (sea salt) blend adds the perfect flavoring and texture to almost every kind of food. Going beyond ʻinamoana we will also incorporate our previous plants which will culminate in the creation of an all purpose seasoning that is sure to bring a personalized touch to your food.
Mālamalama Kukui Shell Lei
March 25, 2021: A symbol of enlightenment and protection, the kukui or candlenut is a plant that carries great cultural significance. Its leaves, flowers and nuts are prized and often used for lei and other adornment yet it is the oil from that nut that is of equal importance. Join us as we create a Kukui mālamalama (kukui nut light) and kukui lei.
ʻUala Tea
January 28, 2021 A common side dish at many luʻau and get-togethers,ʻuala or sweet potato is not only tasty but easy to grow and maintain. ʻUala varies in colors from deep orange to purple and has numerous varieties that differ slightly in taste . This heart healthy food has many uses and is easy to propagate and make your own patch.
Nīoi Chocolate Brownies
December 17, 2020 Just in time for the holidays, we will incorporate nīʻoi into our flavorful chocolate brownies. “Spicing” up a dessert dish makes it festive and fun. Our step by step recipe is easy for even the most novice of bakers. Can you handle the heat
Wai ʻŌlena + Nīoi
November 19, 2020 Popularly known as the main ingredient in the local favorite chili pepper water, nīʻoi or Hawaiian chili pepper is a natural blood purifier and vasodilator. Learn how easy it is to grow and maintain nīʻoi so that it can be added to your garden at home. Also make ʻōlena & nīʻoi shots to help strengthen your immune system.
ʻŌlena Maiʻa Muffins
October 29, 2020 Continuing from our first session, we look deeper into ʻŌlena and its culinary uses. Learn how to add ʻŌlenas unique flavor to dishes and go over a step by step recipe that will make an ‘ono dessert which not only tastes good but is good for you.
Wai Koko
September 24, 2020 Known for its medicinal and healing properties, ʻŌlena is an excellent immune system builder and carries anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. We will take a look at ʻŌlena, learn how to grow it and make an easy la‘au for home use.
ʻUala Leaf Pesto & ʻUala Hummus
February 25, 2021 This sweet starch is an underutilized food that only until recently has been gaining in popularity as a superfood. These nutritious and delicious step by step recipes will keep you on track to a healthy diet. Learn how to incorporate ‘uala leaves into your own recipes.
Quotes from Participants
“I learned about ʻuala from kumu who openly and lovingly share their 'ike and experiences. It's a reminder of the importance of learning together and sharing with one another, too. If I had a class and garden, I think the process of planting and tending to the ʻuala would be a great way to learn how to nurture the plant's growth and therefore, your own wellness, too. “ - Hope Espinda
“This workshop really spoke to how I love to grow things, and how much I love learning from others. These two plant people were always a part of my life growing up and I am so sad that I forgot who they were. My parents and grandparents placed them in our home to create harmony and health, offer beauty to the yard/neighborhood and from these actions it produced memories for everyone in the family to cling to. I only have found memories of `olena and nioi. Mahalo a mahalo nui.” - Kaleo Hanohano
“I enjoy just learning the knowledge about the different plants and that we are able to cover our questions about past plants as well. We were worried about our olena butnow we know how we can help them thrive.” - Jenna Hirayama
“I want to be able to use these ideas for an `ohana engagement activity. I feel like this will also be great for HA and our strengthened sense of well-being. So many `ike bombs along the way and I was able to purchase a couple of items from Aunty Tuti which I am super excited about to share with my `ohana.” - Hilliary Pilialoha
“You all have done a fantastic job of engaging and educating us especially during this time of social distancing. I feel like the in-person learning would be much better but I appreciate the fact of being able to learn even from a distance.” - Hilliary Pilialoha
“ Would love to use the different varieties of 'uala. Great to learn about medicinal properties when used as tea.” - Cat Dichner
“I feel simplicity is overlooked and sometimes the best way to create interactive workshops that can lead to creating diverse dishes and hold true Hawaiian practices at the core.” - Jenefer Miles
