TIGHAR

Amelia Earhart Search Forum => General discussion => Topic started by: Craig Romig on January 04, 2015, 07:31:09 AM

Title: eating local food
Post by: Craig Romig on January 04, 2015, 07:31:09 AM
Does the expedition or anyone on it eat and of the local  crabs fish  etc.  Im guessing coconuts is a given.
Title: Re: eating local food
Post by: Ric Gillespie on January 04, 2015, 08:33:22 AM
Does the expedition or anyone on it eat and of the local  crabs fish  etc.  Im guessing coconuts is a given.

Coconut crabs are fantastic eating but they are endangered and protected, so we don't eat them. We encourage the Fijian crew of Nai'a to follow our example (but with limited success).  The crew often fishes during the day while we're ashore working.  Most of the fish they freeze and take back to Fiji as a bonus for their families but we're often treated to local fish for dinner.  If they catch a tuna it's slabs of fresh sashimi and cold beer when we come in from a hard, hot day on the island. A real treat.
Yes, coconuts are a given but they're trickier than you might imagine.  First you have to know which ones to select, then you need to be adept with a sharp bush knife to whack off the top of the husk and open out a hole to drink from.  It's generally a good idea to ask one of the "boys" (Fijians, no offense intended or taken) to do it for you. 
Andrew McKenna has learned how to do "hearts of palm" from young coconut fronds.  Delicious.