Colorful New Poster Presents Findings on 11 Pohnpei Pandanus Varieties

By Dr. Lois Englberger

The Island Food Community of Pohnpei (IFCP) is happy to share with KP readers the news of its colorful new poster titled "Pohnpei Pandanus (Kipar, Deipw en Pohnpei, Heleheu): Carotenoid-rich Varieties". Copies of this full-size laminated poster are available at Pohnpei Agriculture, Pohnpei Cancer Program, Pohnpei Public Health and IFCP.

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.

It may come as a surprise that this simple fruit, so enjoyable to chew, can help protect against cancer! This is because pandanus contains substantial amounts of beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which also protect against other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. In addition, due to its content of beta-carotene, which is the most important of the provitamin A carotenoids, pandanus helps protect against vitamin A deficiency and anemia.

The poster points out that rice contains no carotenoids at all!

It may be a surprise to many people about the many distinct varieties of pandanus that grow in Pohnpei. Over 10 varieties are also now growing at the Pilot Farm in Madolenihmw.

It is hoped that this poster may help to raise awareness about this neglected food crop and to increase understanding about its important health benefits.

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 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, in particular, Mr. Kehn Albert, Senator Edgar Lickaneth, Yumiko Paul, Dr. Eliaser Johnson, Kiped Albert, Sailas Henry, Dr. John Hedson, Xner Luther, and Dr. Mary Taylor.

Beru: Recipe from Mwoakilloa

1. Boil pandanus keys and squeeze out the pulp.
2. Mix with coconut cream.
3. Add a bit of sugar.
4. Mix all together.
5. Put in baking tin and bake until done, about 30-45 minutes.

Note: Some sugar can be added, but for health reasons, use in small amounts, or even better, use drinking coconut juice instead. Also note that cooked pandanus can be expected to contain substantial amounts of carotenoid, as carotenoids in cooked foods are usually more bioavailable than in raw foods.