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Local Organic Produce in Hawaii

Used to be that if you wanted fresh, local and organic produce in Hawaii you had to shop at  health food stores selling primarily expensive imports from the Mainland. But now there are a growing number of organic farms in Hawaii selling their produce directly to consumers.

Here are my top picks:

1. Maui Bees, 150 Pule Nui Road, Kula, Maui. Open daily.

Probably the most scenic view you’ll ever seen from a farm. On a clear day there are views of four islands while you pick your own produce. Don’t be fooled by the flags of another farm on the corner; that’s not Maui Bees. You’ll need to drive upslope about 1/4 mile, and then you’ll see their Honey for Sale sign. You’re at the right place when you feel like you’re pulling into someone’s driveway.

2. Waipa Farmer’s Market, past Hanalei, Kauai. Open Tuesdays from 2 pm to 6 pm.

One of Kauai’s best kept secrets set against the lush greenery and waterfalls of the northshore. Rain or shine, this small but excellent market delivers some of the best quality food you’ll find on Kauai. If you’re lucky, you might score some poi made from heirloom taro at Waipa’s community mill next door.

3. Hilo Farmer’s Market, Hilo, Hawaii. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6 am to 4 pm.

Hawaii’s biggest and most famous farmer’s market, it does not disappoint. You’ll find beautiful of organic produce from nearby farms at great prices. Many farmers make their own “value added” products, such as jams, jellies and condiments. The market also hosts an entire section of local artisans, weavers and jewelers. The market alone is worth a day trip from Kona or another island. But get there early because the best produce goes fast.

What now?

You’ve scored some amazing produce now what? Check out www.RecipesinSeason.org for tips and recipes on how prepare fresh food for maximal nutrition and flavor.

Culture, food, Recipes

Hawaiian “Alaea” Red Sea Salt

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Hawaiian Sea Salt
Other Names: Alaea, Alae, Hawaiian Red Salt

Hawaiian red sea salt

Alaea aea salt is a traditional Hawaiian table salt used to season and preserve. A natural mineral called “alaea” (volcanic baked red clay) is added to enrich the salt with iron oxide. This natural additive is what gives the salt its distinctive pink color. The clay imparts a subtle flavor that is mellower than regular sea salt. The clay also adds fineness to the grain.

Uses: It is the traditional and authentic seasoning for native Hawaiian dishes such as Kalua Pig, Poke and Hawaiian Jerky. Also good on steaks, pork loin and grilled vegetables. Hawaiian sea salt can be used in place of regular white salt.

Gathering: Making Hawaiian sea salt is simple, provided you know where to find (or buy) alaea. In the islands, alaea can be gathered from most rocky beaches, like Kuiaha Bay along Maui’s North Shore. Clumps of the red clay run off to the beach and become lodged in the rocks, where the clay washes in the surf and bakes in the sun. I recently gathered a few chunks of alaea from Kuiaha Bay and carried them home in an old, dried out coconut. The clay stains everything it touches red, just like the Red Dirt Shirts, which are a local icon of creative alaea use.

Preparation: Back in my kitchen, I broke the clay into smaller pieces about the size of strawberries and ground into a fine powder using a coffee grinder. A little goes a long way. I mixed the ground alaea with a pound of sea salt, making a gorgeous red salt. I love the mellow, sweet flavor and use it everywhere I would plain salt.

Recipe: Hawaiian red sea salt is so good that it also inspires dishes. My favorite recipe for alaea salt is a simple one, grilled asparagus. Here’s what I do:

  • Start with a large bunch of rinsed and trimmed fresh asparagus
  • Lay them into a large baking dish (9×12 works well)
  • Drizzle olive oil, balsamic vinegar and generously sprinkle Hawaiian sea salt
  • Toss and coat all the asparagus
  • Fire up the BBQ and grill until tender
  • Enjoy them hot
Environment, Family, Lifestyle

Solar Powered Cooking Oven

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Solar cooking ovens are an inexpensive and easy way to make every day Earth Day. Since I have owned mine, I have experienced lower energy bills, reduced carbon footprint, a cooler kitchen during summer, set and forget cooking and delicious tasting food. They are inexpensive, low-tech and downright amazing.

I live on solar power (“off grid”) and recently asked my in-laws for a new solar cooking oven as my Christmas gift. I initiated my new solar oven with a batch of dark chocolate brownies. The oven works better than I expected.

There are many good brands of solar cookers on the market that range in price from $100 to over $400. My solar oven came from Sun Oven and cost about $300. It was really simple to set up and very easy to use. Like regular ovens, you can use a solar oven for cooking, baking, braising and heating water. It will heat up to 450 degrees.

Set Up

The first step is to unfurl the reflectors and secure them with the built-in pin. Next position the oven so that shadows fall evenly on both sides. Look closely at this picture below. The shadows are not even on both sides. A quick adjustment of the oven to the right would even out the shadows, causing more direct light and a higher oven temperature.

The second step is to adjust the tip-tilt angle of the oven. For this adjustment, you will need to consider the overhead angle of the sun. At higher latitudes, the sun is typically lower in the sky at noon than at lower latitudes. Here in Hawaii during the summer, the sun is almost directly overhead so tipping is not needed. But when tipping is needed, there is a swivel pan inside the oven that conveniently levels itself.

To recap, simply unfurl the reflects, position the oven so that the shadows are even on both sides and tip the oven to match the overhead angle of the sun. The built-in thermometer will gauge the heat as you make adjustments.

Set and Forget

For quick recipes, like brownies that take 30 minutes or less, you can set the oven and forget it. As an devoted foodie, I have been nothing but delighted at how the food tastes – it’s more moist and tender. A solar oven is ideal for braising meats and baking breads. It’s easy enough for children to use, too.

One key accessory is a non-reflective pan, such as one made of glass or cast iron. For baked goods, like brownies, I use a glass pyrex pan as shown below. For meats, soups and stews, I use a cast iron dutch oven.

Plus, the solar oven doesn’t heat up my house. On a hot summer day, it’s possible to use less energy (and save money) by avoiding the conventional oven and extra air conditioning. In Hawaii where our electricity rates only increase, a solar oven will easily pay for itself within a few months.