University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
Contact: Jim Hollyer, 956-8800	Air Date: May 19, 1998

Taro Book Mauka to Makai pt. 1   Taro is one the oldest cultivated crops. It is believed that the vegetable originated in Asia and spread from there to more than 65 taro-producing countries, mostly in tropical climates. Now, a University of Hawaii researcher and his colleagues have written a book about the history of taro and its place in different cultures throughout the world. Jim Hollyer and 45 colleagues spent years researching taro. They learned, for example, that taro is the mainstay staple food in Samoa and old Hawaii, while for other places like New Zealand, it is reserved for special occasions. The book is filled with useful and interesting tidbits about taro. Did you know, for example, that farmers in Homestead, Florida grow more taro than Hawaii does? Or that taro first came to the United States as food for African slaves. Find out more about the vegetable in Taro: Mauka to Makai. This is the University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo Donovan.

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