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The Importance of Local Foods
Table of Contents
This cookbook has been compiled from recipes used in the Pacific
islands, for the purpose of promoting the use of local foods. The importance
and value of local foods can be addressed from many different perspectives.
It is our hope that this cookbook can play a role in maintaining and develop-
ing cultural strengths, economic self-sufficiency, and healthy populations in
the region.
The Importance of Local Foods
...................................................................................1
Estimated Nutritional Values
...................................................................................2
Eating Within the Food Guide Pyramid
...................................................................................4
Coconut
...................................................................................6
Green Leaves & Vegetables
.................................................................................10
Papaya
.................................................................................32
Mango
.................................................................................48
Banana
.................................................................................58
Breadfruit
.................................................................................74
Taro
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Local or ethnic foods, like language, are corner-stones of culture and
identity. As the world becomes a global village many foods and recipes are
shared and mixed between different places and groups. In many of the
farthest reaches of the Pacific region, packaged foods have gone from highly
prized commodities (canned beef) to everyday ingredients. Yet whether
living at home, in Auckland, Los Angeles, or Tokyo; most islanders would
identify their traditional staples and local dishes as an important part of any
family gathering, holiday or ceremony.
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The cultural values of food are not just related to eating familiar
items, but also knowing where and how they were produced. Better yet is to
have grown the produce, raised the livestock, and prepared the foods with
members of your family and community. Although modern life has drawn
many Pacific islanders from rural, agricultural work to cities and desk jobs,
there is still a strong need for a connection to the land.
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From an economic standpoint, producing at least a portion of ones
own food is a critical component of self-sufficiency for individuals and
nations. Farmers and small food processors provide local employment and
keep the cash flow close to home. There are also factors of food security (a
constant supply) and safety, knowing what goes into the production and
processing of available foods.
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.................................................................................86
Finally, local foods and traditional diets are not fads. They have
evolved within the environment where they are found. Pacific islanders have
maintained healthy lives in these places for thousands of years. However,
contemporary lifestyles, with their new foods and work patterns have been
accompanied by increases in diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and/or
heart disease. There is a clear need to identify recipes and their nutrient
analyses as a means to reverse this trend.
Yam
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...............................................................................102
Sweet Potato
.
...............................................................................110
Cassava
...............................................................................120
Fish & Meat
...............................................................................128
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