poi
poi is the Hawaiian term for a traditional staple food made from mashed taro root.
poi refers to the finished staple food product made from mashed taro. When specifically referring to the pounded taro root used in the process of making the food, the formal term pa'i'ai is used.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, poi is not just a food but is often used as a traditional medicine to soothe stomach ailments or as a base for other medicinal herbs.
- In Hawaiian culture, the fermentation of poi is so much a part of its identity that a recipe is often judged by the depth of its sourness rather than its sweetness.
- The word poi is a cognate with the Māori word paoi, which means 'pound' or 'mash'.
Examples in context
- Makemake au i ka poi.I want the poi.
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu are having lunch together.
- LeilaniKeanu, e ʻai mai i ka poi.Keanu, come eat the poi.
- KeanuMahalo, Leilani. He ʻono ia.Thank you, Leilani. It is delicious.
- LeilaniMakemake pono ʻoe i ka poi?Do you really like the poi?
- KeanuʻAe, he mea i mua ia.Yes, it is a favorite.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
