Happy Thanksgiving

If you would like to add a Kiwi twist to your traditional Thanksgiving sides, check out this recipe below:

Kūmara (sweet potato) mash with Mānuka honey

Ingredients:

• 1 kg kūmara (orange sweet potatoes), peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Mānuka honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of cream or milk for creaminess

Instructions:

1. Boil the kūmara: Place the chopped kūmara in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Drain and mash: Drain the kūmara and return it to the pot. Add butter and mash until smooth.
3. Add honey: Stir in the Mānuka honey, and season with salt and pepper. For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk.
4. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy this sweet, flavourful twist on traditional mashed potatoes!

The importance of kūmara and Mānuka honey to New Zealand

Mānuka honey

Mānuka honey is made by bees that pollinate the Mānuka flower, which is native to New Zealand and blooms just 2-6 weeks per year. Mānuka honey can only be produced in areas abundant with native Mānuka blossoms, which is why hives are located in some of the most remote, untouched parts of the country. 

Māori have had a strong relationship with Mānuka, they call it a taonga or ‘treasure’ and found a staggering amount of uses for it; from food to traditional medicinal uses, and all manner of tools and artefacts. 

Read more at nzstory.govt.nz/manuka-a-honey-of-a-plant

Kūmara (sweet potato)

Kūmara was one of many food plants intentionally brought to New Zealand by the indigenous people. However, due to the much cooler climate in New Zealand, the kūmara could only flourish in the warmer regions. This no doubt had a huge influence on where most Iwi ultimately settled. 

Read more at toitangata.co.nz/the-mighty-kumara/