The exotic fruit trees in Hawaii come in bizarre shapes and vibrant colors that can be quite an interesting experience. These foreign foods will definitely induce curiosity with just their looks all visitors will love exploring. We promise if you don’t fear the fruit’s alien looks, you will have a good time in the heavenly flavor and fresh scents of Hawaiian fruits.
The History of Exotic Fruits Trees in Hawaii
Learning about where the food in Hawaii comes from can help you get around the unique shapes and colors of the fruit. Once you visit Hawaii, you will find it hard to believe that tropical fruits weren’t always a part of the landscape in Hawaii. There were a few fruit trees when the first Polynesian voyagers arrived in 400 A.D. When locals got in contact with the first Europeans including Captain James Cook (who was later killed in an attempt to kidnap the ruling chief), new fruit varieties were available.
Most of the exotic fruits you will find in Hawaii were planted there after the 1830s. This was when the first sugarcane plantation was built in Kauai and horticulturists and Naval officers brought different favorite fruits from around the globe.
When Polynesian voyagers started to settle on the island, they brought beneficial plants to Hawaii in canoes. The Canoe Crops were often used to build shelter and canoes, as medicine, and to make music and clothes. The five main types of fruits they bought were breadfruit, coconuts, noni, bananas, and mountain apples.
You will find all of these common fruits when in season at farmers’ markets in Hawaii, except the noni fruit. This is because noni is never eaten for pleasure since it tastes similar to blue cheese and smells really bad. However, it is common because it is a primary ingredient in the traditional medicine of Hawaii. It is known for its painkilling and antibiotic properties. Studies show that it is 75% as effective as morphine is at eliminating pain, which is why it is sold as fruit leather and tonics.
Breadfruits are also an exotic fruit that was the prized cargo of a voyage in 1789. The fruit is known to be quite heavy from 2 to 10 pounds. It is carbohydrate-rich, making it a great meal for locals. The center has a dry, doughy texture that is similar to starchy potatoes. The fruit is often turned into fried chips that are served with sea salt, making it quite a delicious meal.
Coconuts, while technically not a fruit but a nut, also are a popular feature in Hawaii. They are often used to make milk by shredding the hard area of the brown coconut shell, soaking it, and then straining it. The green coconuts are often part of divination rituals performed by Hawaiian priests and are full of delicious water.