poi source crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "poi source crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TARO: A starchy, edible root vegetable, a staple crop in many tropical regions, especially prominent in Hawaiian cuisine as the primary ingredient for poi.
More About "poi source crossword clue"
The "poi source" crossword clue almost universally points to TARO. Poi is a traditional Hawaiian staple food made from the corm (root) of the taro plant. This thick, viscous paste, often slightly fermented, plays a significant role in Hawaiian culture and diet, symbolizing sustenance and connection to the land.
Taro itself is a versatile root vegetable, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta. It thrives in wetland conditions and has been cultivated for thousands of years across Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Beyond poi, taro is used in various culinary applications globally, from chips and flours to stews and desserts.
Understanding such culturally specific clues often requires a bit of general knowledge beyond just vocabulary. In crosswords, knowing common staple foods associated with particular regions can often unlock seemingly obscure answers like TARO for "poi source".
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Culinary Staples: Many crossword clues relate to food and their origins. If a clue mentions a specific dish or a regional cuisine (like poi for Hawaii), think about the core ingredient. Often, these are common root vegetables, grains, or proteins.
- Think Culturally and Geographically: Clues can often hint at a specific culture or geographical area. If a word like "poi" comes up, immediately think of its place of origin (Hawaii) and what is central to that culture's diet. This can help narrow down potential answers significantly.
- Use Contextual Keywords: Pay attention to words like "source," "ingredient," "staple," or "root." These words directly point to the fundamental component or origin of the item in question, making it easier to deduce the answer, especially when combined with other elements of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is poi made from?
Poi is traditionally made from the corm (underground stem) of the taro plant. The corm is steamed, mashed, and then thinned with water to achieve a pudding-like consistency, often consumed as a staple in Hawaiian cuisine.
Is taro only used for poi?
No, while taro is most famous for its use in poi, it is a versatile root vegetable consumed in many forms across various cultures. Its leaves, known as luau leaves, are also edible when cooked, similar to spinach or collard greens, and used in dishes like laulau.
How do crossword constructors typically clue "TARO"?
Crossword constructors often clue "TARO" directly as "poi source," "Hawaiian staple," "root for poi," or simply "poi ingredient." It can also be clued as "Kalo, to Hawaiians" as 'kalo' is the Hawaiian word for taro, or more generally as a tropical root vegetable.