Category: Hawaiian culture

Brewed tea, particularly herbal infusions like Mamaki, can last up to 48 hours when refrigerated, a significant extension from the few hours it remains fresh at room temperature. This fact is central to answering the common question: does Mamaki tea need to be refrigerated?

Māmaki, a plant revered for centuries in traditional Hawaiian medicine, lacks a single, widely recognized English common name, though it is sometimes referred to as Waimea pipturus. This endemic Hawaiian shrub, scientifically known as *Pipturus albidus*, belongs to the nettle family but does not possess the stinging hairs of its relatives. Its name in 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, Māmaki, remains its most common identifier worldwide.

According to ancient Hawaiian traditions, kukui nuts were used as candles due to their high oil content, and they also played a vital role in cuisine, but with a critical safety caveat. So, can you eat kukui nuts safely? The answer depends entirely on preparation, as raw kukui nuts are toxic and must be properly roasted before consumption.

While coconuts are not indigenous to Hawaii, ancient Polynesian voyagers brought them to the islands centuries ago as one of their important 'canoe plants'. So, do Hawaiians drink coconut water, a beverage steeped in both traditional practice and modern health trends?

Native Hawaiians have revered the noni fruit for thousands of years, carrying it on their ancestral voyages for its powerful healing properties. This evergreen plant, known scientifically as *Morinda citrifolia*, is considered the quintessential Hawaiian medicine fruit, used in traditional practices for a variety of ailments.

Hawaiian black salt, also known as black lava salt, gets its striking obsidian color from activated charcoal derived from coconut shells, a fact few people know. So, what does Hawaiian black salt do beyond its dramatic appearance? This guide explores its unique culinary applications and traditional wellness uses, explaining how this mineral-rich salt can enhance both your dishes and your self-care rituals.

The Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, or reef triggerfish, was made Hawaii's permanent state fish in 2006, leading many to wonder, **can you eat Hawaii state fish**? While this vibrant reef-dweller is technically edible, its culinary history and nutritional value present a more complex and surprising story.