Xylocarp and Coconuts #AtoZChallenge2021

My AtoZChallenge theme for 2021 is Novel Research - novel meaning interesting, different, unusual. Most of my posts pertain to topics I have researched in the past. For this year's letter "X" though, I had to do some current research. Definitions for the word xylocarp describe a hard woody pericarp (outer layer) of a fruit, or a hard woody fruit that grows on trees; and the example consistently listed is the coconut: botany, a fruit such as a coconut having a hard woody pericarp (outer layer). A perfect "X" word for me. Sometimes, the stars align rather well

Hawaii is synonymous with coconuts. Every day I drink refreshing and hydrating coconut water, and I  sprinkle coconut flakes into my smoothies.  What is a Pina Colada or Blue Hawaii without cream of coconut or coconut milk? A Lava Flow without coconut rum?  

Lava Flow

A ubiquitous Hawaiian dessert, haupia is a traditional coconut milk-based delicacy often found at luaus and other local gatherings in Hawaii. Over the decades, it has become a popular topping for white cake, especially at weddings. Although considered a pudding, the consistency of haupia resembles a gelatin and is most often served in small blocks.

Visitors to Hawaii enjoy watching locals demonstrate the art of climbing a coconut tree to claim a ripe fruit. I, on the other hand, prefer to find my coconuts in the fruit section of the grocery story or farmer's market.

How does coconut play a role in your diet?

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CHICKEN KATSU PUPUS

PUPUS, Hawaiian snacks similar to hors d’oeuvers, tapas, and canapés,

make up the third segment of my A-to-Z Challenge theme.

I hope they will delight your palate each Thursday and Saturday. 

Pupus are so popular in Hawaii that restaurants, and even some private parties, are rated by their choice and variety. Almost any bite-sized food that can be eaten with fingers or chopsticks falls into the category of pupus. 

Chicken katzu, a bit similar to chicken nuggets, is a favorite of mine. L&L Drive-Inn serves the best in town, along with a huge scoop of white rice and macaroni salad on the side. 

Chicken Katsu from L&L Drive-Inn
Honolulu

At a party, those three food choices are served in separate, oversized aluminum pans. I think what I like most about the L&L katzu is their famous katzu dipping sauce, a blend of sweet and sour flavors that include Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and tabasco sauce, sugar-water-salt, with a touch of chicken bouillon, garlic power, and ground pepper. It’s good for a snack or a full meal. 

Other popular Hawaiian pupus on my “C” list are just about anything made with coconut, including coconut shrimp and haupia (coconut milk based) pudding and cake. Every luau and most Sunday brunches serve haupia desserts.

Coconut Oblong Cake, top shelf
not as colorful as the Guava and Mango cakes
but just as delicious (Ono!)

Do you like your chicken huli huli style? Or would you prefer Chinatown Shrimp?

 

If the AtoZChallenge was any longer,
I'd gain 10 lbs. and go broke!