Tell us about the inspiration behind Yawye Babies, and how the idea was seeded in Rarotonga?
Yawye was seeded in the Cook Islands after walking through a graveyard. People who were buried 200+ years ago lived to 100 years old. This generations graveyards are often in their 30s and 40s. The inspiration came from precolonial life span.
What does it mean to you to “decolonize the palette” of the next generation?
It means to eat what we were built to eat. Our bodies have evolved to certain foods and we need to return to those foods.
What is unique about the nutrients found in Indigenous Pacific Produce?
Indigenous vegetables have the highest calcium and iron levels in the world which is why Pacific Islanders have the biggest muscle to bone mass ratio in the world.
How does teaching pacific cuisine to adults differ from educating families with young children?
Teaching adults is about pride in their culture, teaching families is about pride in their health.
Where does the name Yawye come from?
Yawye is an acronym for “you are what you eat”. Kai or Mea Kai means to consume life. What you consume determines who you are.
