Island Influences Competition

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Ingredients

Organic beef

Organic beef is one of the nation’s top exports mainly to Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and increasingly it is becoming a desirable commodity on the international market with many countries expressing a strong interest in supplies.

It is certified and audited by AgriQuality New Zealand on an annual basis and IFOAM accredited. Cattle farms are mainly located in Santo and a few other outer islands, fatten the cattle on local flora. The soil is arable and nitrogen-rich complemented by the volcanic landscape and year-round rain.

Long prized for its excellent flavor and marbling this premium beef, chefs in Vanuatu have long been spoiled for choice and are excited that their overseas counterparts will have the opportunity to try out what is arguably the regions best beef. Its tender veal and the tasty beef are the result of the interbreeding of the best of British and French breeds fed on the lush tropical grasses of Vanuatu.

Let your creative ideas run wild with this one. Complement the star with a fine selection of Pacific Island ingredients listed below.

Taro or Cassava (frozen)

Producs proivded by Pacific Merchants ~ 09 278 6822


Supplied to Chefs in frozen peeled form, cassava and taro are an everyday source of energy for pacific islanders as it is full of carbohydrate, and supply the body with calcium, potassium, magnesium, ion, phosphorus and vitamins.

Root crops bring essential nutriments to the body; most of them are gluten free, hypoallergenic and with their high level of dietary fiber are extremely digestible.

The roots preparation is important as toxin is generated during their development but disperses easily when grated, soak and cook. The cooking duration varies depending on the method by which it is cooked be it boiled, steamed, roasted, baked or fried - your preference will define the texture.

As you will discover there are many ways to enjoy root crops however it is recommended to let it cook till it is soft, smooth or the color has changed. As savory delicacy it can replace rice, bread or potato in a meal, while taro flour can be use in soup, biscuit, bread, beverages and pudding, manioc flour can replace your usual flour and will give this particular experience of mealy texture and nutty flavor with a hint of acidity.

Kava (powder)

Sourced from Fiji
Product provided by Tropical Fresh Limited: www.tropicalfresh.co.nz

Kava is an ancient crop rooted in many of the Pacific Island cultures. Generally kava is served as a social beverage amongst elders, chiefs and used to welcome honoured guest. In Samoa, it is a ceremonial drink, considered sacred where its consumption is usually reserved for chiefs and important dignitaries. The serving order will be indicative of social rank.

Kava is useful for bladder infections, stomach ulcers, insomnia and good anxiety. Special properties include antidepressant, aphrodisiac, muscle relaxant and a sedative. It is available in strips, powder and capsules. Consumption is associated with a tranquil feeling or a deep sense of peace and well-being. Unlike alcohol is not intoxicating or physically addictive.

A traditional drink of many of the Pacific Islands, Vanuatu is home to 10 Royal Varieties and is the world’s largest exporter of dried kava. Kava in its dried form has also been recently used as a pepper substitute for fish and beef crusts and although it has also been used reasonably successfully in novelty ice creams the taste can be a bit unusual for the unexpectant diner. The taste is slightly peppery with a hint of bitterness, rather unusual to the palate but entertaining.

Nangai Nuts

Vanilla Beans

Souced from Samoa
Product provided Shelley Burich, shelley@burich.ws

Vanilla is made from the fruit pods of large climbing orchids which grow only in tropical regions such as pacific islands. With more than 50 species of vanilla orchid only a few are commercialized (Planifolia, Tahitensis and pompano).

Mostly used for desserts to give this sweet exotic taste, it can also flavor your drinks and meats. With its unique fragrant and fruity essence, vanilla has been the black gold of pacific countries like Vanuatu, PNG, Niue, Tonga, Fiji and French Polynesia.

New on the scene is Samoa – Island Influences Chefs will be the first to sample Samoa’s first harvest of organically certified vanilla beans, sourced direct from Samoa and soon to make their appearance in the New Zealand market.

Vanilla has been used as an essential ingredient in the kitchen under various forms such as vanilla extract, grounded, powder, seeds, bean and pod without ever loosing its properties. There is no waste with the vanilla, especially if the whole vanilla pod that has been used in sauces or other liquids can be rinsed, thoroughly dried and stored for reuse.

In medicine Vanilla has been used as a nerve stimulant and for its aphrodisiac property.
Vanilla is very healthy with no saturated fat, no cholesterol, very low in sodium but it has a high level of sugar and contains alcohol.