FAO highlights giant swamp taro

A press release by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has highlighted a paper in the latest edition of the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, sponsored by FAO.  The study reveals the potential health benefits of giant swamp taro, an increasingly neglected crop in Micronesia, where there are serious nutrition problems, as traditional foods are being replaced by imported foods of lower nutritional content.  The release points out that 

… a group of researchers from the Federated States of Micronesia, Switzerland, Fiji, Australia, USA, and Palau have generated new data, and confirmed previous findings, showing that Micronesian giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) varieties are rich sources of nutrients. For the first time, the researchers present data on carotenoid and mineral content of many varieties of giant swamp taro, in addition to dietary characteristics of Micronesian citizens. According to lead researcher Lois Englberger, certain varieties contain high amounts of micronutrients, including beta-carotene and essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium.

The full press release can be found here. ((Thanks to Lois Englberger for this information.))

New pandanus poster from Pohnpei

Dr Lois Englberger of the NGO Island Food Community of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia has just announced the release of a colorful new local food poster entitled “Pohnpei Pandanus:  Carotenoid-rich Varieties.” 

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Photographs and nutrient content of nine varieties of pandanus from Mwoakilloa Atoll and two varieties from Kapingamarangi Atoll are presented, along with the message that these carotenoid-rich foods can help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, vitamin A deficiency and anemia or weak blood. 

The development of the poster started in 2003 with the collection of samples and arranging for analysis for provitamin A and other carotenoids, including beta-carotene, the most important of the provitamin A carotenoids.  Note that rice contains no carotenoids.

We hope that this poster may help to promote this neglected food crop, to raise awareness about the distinct varieties of pandanus and to increase understanding about the important health benefits that may be obtained by consuming this fruit.

Warm thanks are extended to the Pohnpei Cancer Coalition, Global Environmental Facility Small Grant Program, Sight and Life,  Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment, Australian Embassy, SPC GTZ Pacific German Regional Forestry Program, Pohnpei Agriculture, Pohnpei Departments of Health and Education, and the College of Micronesia-FSM for funding and other support, to the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Suva, Fiji, for assistance in getting the poster developed, printed and laminated, and to all those assisting in this project.