We know we need to end the Italian cheese, Greek olive and French wine habit, but many of us have become addicted to a luxurious plethora of exotic foreign foods that are relatively cheap here.
We know we need to end the Italian cheese, Greek olive and French wine habit, but many of us have become addicted to a luxurious plethora of exotic foreign foods that are relatively cheap here.
We know we import 90 percent of the food we eat in Hawaii. We know getting it here eats up lots of foreign fuel oil in transport. We know we want to keep agriculture alive in Hawaii and we know our support is crucial to seeing that happen. We know a high percentage of the money we use to pay for locally grown stuff stays here compared with buying off-island goods. We even know local food is usually fresher, tastier and more nutritious. But we like our Asiago and our Kalamatas. So what can we do?
As any addiction counselor might advise, we need to avoid temptation by changing our environment and making new friends who support our efforts to change. In other words, go to a local farmers market. Meet the regulars and the vendors. Learn about the food the farmers are growing and selling, get some new recipes and start eating locally grown produce.
Though local produce is not necessarily cheaper, buying it puts money back into the community and eventually back into local services. The few extra pennies spent are multiplied many times as farmers prosper and our economy improves. While helping to support your community and your own health, you will also avoid the temptation to buy foreign products.
Luckily, over the last few years, opportunities to buy locally grown products have multiplied. The adventure of exploring local markets can be fun, as well as fruitful.
More than six years ago, the Kona County Farm Bureau started a market to offer a venue for its members to sell their produce. The Keauhou Saturday Farmers Market now has more than 30 vendors selling vegetables, fruit, baked goods, coffee, macadamia nuts, eggs, chocolate and sausage. All are locally grown or contain a high percentage of local ingredients. A crowd of regulars comes every Saturday to listen to music, enjoy some food and share stories and recipes. The market is open from 8 a.m. until noon every Saturday. In June, this market will start accepting EBT cards, allowing those who have food stamps to buy local produce with their cards. For more information, visit keauhoufarmersmarket.com.
Another market with several years of local history is the South Kona Green Market. Located behind Choice Mart in the Kealakekua Shopping Center in Captain Cook, this market also offers music and prepared food, as well as farm-fresh produce and locally created crafts and art pieces. It is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. Find more about it at skgm.org. You’ll find it a great place to spend time in a relaxing atmosphere with a gorgeous view of the South Kona coast.
A newer market, increasingly frequented by local folks, is held on the luau lawn at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. The Hooulu Community Farmers Market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. The market focuses on local produce and host booths for local artisans to offer their crafts and jewelry. Just off Alii Drive, the market has always been a popular tourist destination. Increasingly, kamaaina realize it is a good place to replenish their fresh food supply midweek. Check it out at hooulufarmersmkt.com.
The Kailua-Kona Farmers Market is in a parking lot in the center of town. Open from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, vendors offer crafts and flowers, as well as edibles. Though not all the goods are local, most vendors will let you know what’s local, if you ask. See more information at konafarmersmarket.com.
If you are in Kailua town today, you might want to stroll Alii Drive and check out the booths of local art, crafts and food products. The monthly event offers an opportunity to meet local artisans and coffee, macadamia and other farmers selling their wares. For information on future Kokua Kailua Village Strolls, visit historickailuavillage.com/celebrations/kokua-kailua-village-stroll.html.
Tropical
gardening helpline
Shree asks: I’m keen to know whether anyone has tried cooking your “weed vegetable,” Coccinia. If yes, may I have your experiences and comments?
Answer: The vegetable Shree is asking about is locally known as ivy gourd. His question came through local farmer, Ken Love. Ken mentioned that in India it is very expensive at the farmers markets and is served in five-star restaurants. Perhaps we should consider eating it. It’s certainly local and definitely readily available.
Coccinia grandis is a tropical vine that has become an invasive weed in Hawaii. It was probably introduced as a backyard crop and is sometimes tolerated in landscapes because of its attractive white flowers.
It grows from shoots and seeds and the seeds are often dispersed by birds, rats, pigs and other mammals. It can grow up to four inches in a day, covering everything as it grows.
Probably the best control, other than repeated herbicide applications, is to collect and eat the fruit and its seeds. In flavor and uses, it can be compared to bitter melon and is included in many Asian recipes. It is best cooked in soups, stews, curries or deep-fried.
If you have never tried it, you can find it growing over trees and shrubs in vacant lots or forested areas. Help control this pest by creating some new recipes for its use. If you already eat it or if you try cooking it, you can share your experience with Shree at shreepadre@gmail.com. Send a copy to tropicaledibles@gmail.com, as well, to spread the word.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by certified master gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant with an organic farm in Captain Cook.