Ti
Ti Overview
Ti (pronunded “tee”) was widely used by the ancient Hawaiians. It is easy to grow, very versatile and was used for making roofs, ropes, sandals and clothing. In the kitchen, ti leaves can be used as food wraps, plates and cups. The meat of the ti root can be baked and the sweet, sticky puree can be fermented to produce a mild alcoholic drink, which the Hawaiians named okolehao.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce “Ti”?
“Ti” is pronounced “tee.” It’s a versatile plant deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and tradition.
What were Ti leaves used for in ancient Hawaii?
Ti leaves were used for making roofs, ropes, clothing, sandals, food wraps, and even as plates or cups.
Can the Ti root be eaten?
Yes. The root can be baked into a sweet, sticky puree and was traditionally used to make a fermented drink called okolehao.
What is okolehao?
Okolehao is a traditional Hawaiian alcoholic drink made by fermenting the cooked root of the Ti plant.