What are Moemoe potatoes?
Maori potatoes or taewa are varieties of potato that Maori have grown for at least 200 years, and taewa refers collectively to some traditional varieties, including Karuparerā, Huakaroro and Moemoe. These are knobbly, smaller and more colourful than modern potato varieties. Moemoe is ideal for boiling and baking.
Did Māori have potatoes?
Māori have grown potatoes for at least 200 years, and “taewa” refers collectively to some traditional varieties, including Karuparerā, Huakaroro, Raupī, Moemoe, and Tūtae-kurī. Māori potatoes are commonly used as a base ingredient in rewena bread.
Did Māori Bring potatoes to NZ?
Potatoes were first brought to New Zealand by European explorers in the late 18th century. Māori, the first settlers in New Zealand, gave the traditional cultivars Māori names and have continued to grow them ever since.
Do potatoes need full sun?
Potatoes always do best in full sun. They are aggressively rooting plants, and we find that they will produce the best crop when planted in a light, loose, well-drained soil. Potatoes prefer a slightly acid soil with a PH of 5.0 to 7.0.
What are the best Māori potatoes?
Maori Potatoes
- Huakaroro. Waxy, great for boiling with a buttery taste.
- Karuparera. Ideal for salads and boiling.
- Kowiniwini. Waxy, ideal for boiling.
- Moemoe. Ideal for boiling and baking.
- Urenika. Yam like.
- Waiporoporo. Great boiled.
- Whataroa. Ideal for oven-baked, wedges, chips and roasting in jackets.
What is taewa Tutaekuri?
Taewa refers to the collection of varieties of Solanum tuberosum cultivated by the Māori for over 200 years. There are many varieties of purple potatoes; these include Tūtaekurī (also known as Urenika), Makoikoi, Moe Moe, Raupī, Te Māori, Karuparerā and Huakaroro – all have quite different appearances.
What does taewa mean?
Taewa (or rīwai) is a collective name for the varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) cultivated by Māori. Before European settlement, taewa was a staple food crop for Māori. By the 1800s, it had also become an important commercial crop, playing a key role in the introduction of Māori to European economics.
How did Kumara get to New Zealand?
The kumara we eat today has evolved from larger South American varieties that were brought out to New Zealand from the 1850’s on whaling ships from the Americas. The local Maori and early settlers saw the good characteristics of these varieties and quickly adopted them.
Is Epsom salt good for potatoes?
Yes, Epsom salt can be helpful when added to the soil of potato plants. It provides the plants with a good boost of magnesium, which is beneficial in stimulating biochemical reactions. If you plan to add Epsom salt to your potato plants’ soil, be sure not to add more than half a cup to every gallon of water.
Are coffee grounds good for potato plants?
Using coffee grounds on your potatoes work absolutely fine. Adding coffee grounds to your potato plants helps in giving them a considerable growth. You can add the grounds in form of a coffee compost blend and you can as well mix coffee compost with leafmold.