The tourism folks from Oahu are promoting a bring the farm to your dining table concept with fresh, local produce and more. Read on for their news release: CELEBRATE FARM TO TABLE CUISINE ON OAHU. Oahu’s local farms, chefs, markets, restaurants make up Hawaii’s culinary epicenter
OAHU – People from all corners of the globe love visiting Oahu for its unmatched weather, sublime scenery and unique and fascinating culture, but these days Oahu’s innovative farm to table cuisine is one of the island’s greatest attractions. With ideal year-round climate conditions and rich volcanic soil, it is only natural that the island of Oahu is home to an abundance of farms. The countless farmers, chefs, restaurants, and consumers dedicated to utilizing Oahu’s locally-grown products have helped develop the island’s farm-to-table movement, growing it considerably in recent years and paving the way toward island-wide sustainability.
ALOUN FARMS: About: Founded in 1977 by Laotian immigrant Aloun Sou and his family, Aloun Farms began as a basic five-acre operation in the Lualualei Valley of Waianae, producing several varieties of Asian vegetables, green onion and herbs. Today, the farm is nearly 3,000 acres and produces more than 40 different crops. Aloun Farms is a strong supporter of community outreach through educational tours and collaboration with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program.
Special products: Aloun Farms Ewa Sweet line includes crisp, juicy and sweet corn, melons, and onions. The corn and onions are grown year-round, and melons are grown during Oahu’s spring season. The Sunburst Melon and Thai Watermelon are two of Aloun’s signature products.
Where to find them: Farmers’ markets and supermarkets island-wide, including Costco, Foodland and Wal-Mart stores; Chef Chai Chaowasaree incorporates Aloun products into his menus at Chai’s Island Bistro and Singha Thai Cuisine. Contact: www.alounfarms.com or (808) 677-9516
HO FARMS: About: Ho Farms, a 40-acre produce farm on Oahu’s North Shore, is a food safety certified farm (one of the few in Hawaii) that has been recognized for its efforts to minimize the use of pesticides and chemicals, resulting in healthier, natural and better-tasting food. Special products: Specialty tomatoes, renowned for their sweet flavor and crispy texture, are Ho Farms’ signature product. They produce tomatoes of the baby Roma, cherry, golden grape, grape, Kahuku golden, and zebra varieties, all vine-ripened and individually handpicked at their peak flavor. The farm also grows Japanese cucumbers, long squashes and long beans. Where to find them: Farmers’ markets island-wide; on Oahu at Foodland, Down to Earth stores, Malama Market, and Tamura’s Market; and RumFire at Sheraton Waikiki. www.hofarms.com or (808) 375-1375
MA‘O ORGANIC FARMS About: Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation established MA‘O Organic Farms hoping to impact five critical areas of need in the region – out-of-school youth, sustainable economic development, agriculture, health, and Hawaiian culture. Today, the five-acre certified organic farm offers after-school programs, workshops, garden clubs, and internships for local middle and high school students, and produces and sells more than three-dozen different high-quality organic crops.
Special products: MA‘O is known for its signature “Sassy” salad mix—a combination of kale, Swiss chard and cilantro—and produces a variety of herbs, root vegetables, bananas, mangos, and citrus fruits such as Meyer lemons, Tahitian limes, and Clementine tangerines. Where to find them: Farmers’ markets island-wide; health food stores including Whole Foods, Down to Earth, Umeke Market, and Kokua Market; and restaurants such as Alan Wong’s, Azul at the JW Marriott Ihilani, Chef Ed Kenney’s Town and Downtown, Kona Brewing Company, Nobu Waikiki, and Tiki’s Grill and Bar. www.maoorganicfarms.org or (808) 696-5569.
For more info: www.visit-oahu.com and be sure and read Rich's first hand account of living and eating like royality on Maui, at this website: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5821-Travel-Insights-Examiners~y2009m4d12-Maui-wowieheres-how-to-vacation-like-youre-Clint-Eastwood
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