What is a kumara?

Look at these little fellows. If you are from New Zealand you will know them as kumara, and if not, as sweet potatoes. They are delicious!

These are quite wee ones, and I usually peel them for use. I am guessing that the skin has lots of good nutrients since it is so colourful. I visited www.kumara.co.nz and found this information about the history of kumara in New Zealand:

The kumara has a long history of cultivation in New Zealand. Brought here by the early Maori settlers over one thousand years ago from its Pacific Island source, it was widely grown especially in the semi-tropical regions of the North Island. Archeological diggings at the Waipoua Forest near Kaipara have revealed kumara cultivation from very early Pre-european Maori times.The Maori managed kumara growing with great horticultural skill, making use of the ideal growing climate and controlling kumara caterpillar with the use of tamed black-backed seagulls. Kumara caterpillar could devastate a crop almost overnight, hatching in their thousands. Pre-European Maori grew several different varieties of ‘bush’ kumara, but compared to the varieties we eat today, were very small in size, being no bigger than a person’s finger.The kumara we eat today has evolved from a larger American variety which grows on a creeping vine. It was imported in the early 1850’s, and was quickly adopted by the Maori for its superior size and taste. Over time a dark red variety developed and named Owairaka Red.In most other countries they are called sweet potatoes. New Zealand kumara are available in red, gold or orange varieties, each with a deliciously different colour and taste. The majority of kumara is grown in Northland.

I hope you all buy free range eggs. I won't buy anything else. Did you ever think that the food you buy may contain battery hen eggs? I know they are more expensive, but I would much rather spend more to ensure I'm not supporting cruel farming practices. Each egg should be treated with the respect it deserves. After all, Mrs. (or Miss) Hen went to quite a bit of effort to push that out! Did you know that kiwis have the biggest eggs in proportion to their body size? No wonder they are endangered.

Along with my kumara (microwaved and then browned with the bacon) and boiled eggs I threw some baby spinach, carrot, tomato, cucumber, bacon and a wee bit of cheese into a bowl and made a salad. I feel a bit guilty not being a vegetarian. I wonder what would happen to the world's animals if we were all vegetarians?