Post #187267 by Rum Numb Davey on Sat, Sep 17, 2005 2:57 PM

Poi may be wrong, but Taro chips could be crunchy pizza topping fun!
Poi, the staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet, is made from taro, an ancient root crop grown throughout the tropics for its edible corms and leaves. Poi was the staple carbohydrate in the diet of the early Hawaiians and also served as an excellent source of vitamin B, calcium, and phosphorous. Because of its small starch grains, poi is an easily digested carbohydrate - an excellent choice for infants, the elderly and those who must choose their diets carefully. In addition, poi has been found to be practically non-allergenic. Those allergic to milk or grains, such as wheat and rice, can often enjoy poi with no adverse reactions. Early Hawaiians not only used the taro plant for food, but also utilized the various parts for medicinal purposes; treating ailments ranging from insect bites and fevers to heart problems and stomach disorders. I tried to like Poi, and I just never acquired a real taste for it. Brought back the childhood trauma of my Scottish childhood a bowls of salted oatmeal and porridge.