Foods in American Samoa

Food has traditionally played an important role in the culture and society of Samoa for thousands of years. Although the islands are now under the authority of the United States, food continues to hold a special place in the heart of American Samoans, connecting them to their past and community.

Taro

Taro is a tropical perennial plant that is widely cultivated throughout Polynesia. It is grown both for its edible root and its leaves, which are used as food and as a vessel for preparing steamed foods. Taro is a staple starch in American Samoa, although it is on the decline given the availability of imported starches such as potatoes and rice. Although it is toxic when raw, overnight soaking or roasting neutralizes the toxins, making it palatable. In American Samoa, taro is featured prominently in fa'ausi, which is a sweet dish featuring grated taro root, coconut milk and brown sugar steamed in taro leaves.

Fruits and Vegetables

The tropics are known for their wide variety of fruits and American Samoa is no exception. Papayas, mangoes, pineapple and coconut are widely grown throughout the country, as well as durian, banana and breadfruit. Fruit is traditionally eaten at breakfast in American Samoa and is incorporated into sweet and savory dishes. Vegetables are also widely grown and available, although they do not play as important a role as fruit. Taro leaf is the most widespread vegetable traditionally eaten in the country, followed by yams and manioc. One of the most popular vegetable imports to American Samoa is the onion. Since their introduction, onions have become a favored ingredient in traditional and modern cuisine.

Traditional Dishes

Although more and more citizens of American Samoa are eating a typically mainland American diet, some traditional dishes continue to maintain popularity. Palusami, or lu'au, is one of American Samoa's most popular and well-known dishes. It consists of cooked taro leaves, coconut cream and onions folded into whole, uncooked taro leaves and placed to cook in an umu, or pit-oven. It is a common dish at fia fia celebrations where it is served with roasted suckling pig. Another common traditional dish is supoesi, a breakfast soup made from pawpaw fruit and coconut cream. Povi masima is Samoan salted beef, which is still eaten throughout the island nation. Many traditional dishes in American Samoa are accompanied by an all purpose sauce made of onions and coconut cream called pe'epe'e.

Beverages

The national drink of American Samoa is a fermented drink called kava, which is made from the roots of a local pepper plant. It is served in sacred ceremonies, as well as being an offering to village elders. There is special etiquette involved in drinking kava, which must be adhered to. First, when it is served a small amount must be poured on the ground directly in front of you while saying the word "manuia," meaning "good luck." Do not drink all of the contents of the cup, instead reserving a small amount at the end to be poured out as an offering.