We are now in Bali where breadfruit, bananas and coconuts have been part of the culture for hundreds of years. Some say this was the original garden of Eden. Of course, scientists and many religious philosophers might disagree. Nevertheless, these
We are now in Bali where breadfruit, bananas and coconuts have been part of the culture for hundreds of years. Some say this was the original garden of Eden. Of course, scientists and many religious philosophers might disagree. Nevertheless, these fruits and many others have been carried around the tropical world by early humans for thousands of years. Last year we visited several islands in the South Pacific and were amazed at how much the breadfruit is used as an everyday food. This was especially true in Samoa. No matter if the garden was large or small, everyone seemed to have their own breadfruit tree. There, they grow a small and compact form called maafala to save space and have fruit more easily harvested. Rather than planting shallow-rooted crops that allow for erosion, many mountainous islands plant fruit trees including ulu to hold the steep slopes. Commonly referred to as the Samoan breadfruit, these plants are being propagated and are readily available in many local nurseries. They will also be available at the upcoming Breadfruit Goes Bananas Festival at the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in mauka Kona. Many special banana varieties will be available as well.
The festival, presented by the Hawaii Homegrown Food Network, the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the Greenwell garden, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of breadfruit and bananas in Hawaii. Other sponsors include the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Kukulu Ola, Kamehameha Schools and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Get more details on the festival by visiting breadfruit.info.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Throughout the tropical Pacific, ulu and bananas provide a great source of food security, especially in hard times. The festival organizers will present many delicious ways to prepare ulu.
The festival at the new Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Visitor Center is free and open to the public. The center is a great resource for residents and visitors to learn more about the life, culture and foods of old Hawaii.
Presentations include demonstrations by well known chefs such as Sam Choy and Angela Kay Kepler, author of a new book on bananas. Agroforestry experts including Craig Elevitch, Diane Ragone and Ian Cole will also share information on these valuable crops.
During the last half of the 20th century, the use of breadfruit trees in the landscape fell out fashion due to their size and large fruit that were not being utilized. Potatoes and rice were easier to prepare and readily available. Now, the tide has changed as we recognize the importance of these nutritious and valuable plants that were so important to early Hawaiians. They are still important today in most of Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia and tropical Asia. Now we have an opportunity to bring them back to prominence here at home.
Although many banana varieties are plagued with diseases such as Panama wilt and banana bunchy top, we are still relatively free of other serious diseases and pests. Most gardens have a spot for your favorite variety or varieties. All they need are nutrients, water and protection from wind. Most varieties will grow from sea level to 3,000 feet, but are slow to produce fruit at higher elevations. To learn more, don’t miss this unique opportunity to get in tune with our Hawaiian heritage.
