What food did the maori found when they to aotearoa?

When the Māori people first arrived in Aotearoa (New Zealand), they found a diverse range of food sources in their new environment. Here are some of the main foods that the Māori discovered and utilized:

1. Kumara (Sweet Potato):

Kumara was a highly valued crop introduced to Aotearoa by the Māori. They cultivated different varieties of kumara, which became an essential staple in their diet. Kumara was highly nutritious and offered a reliable food source.

2. Taro:

Taro, another important crop brought by the Māori, was found in wetlands and provided sustenance through its edible roots and leaves. Taro was versatile and could be cooked in various ways.

3. Fern Root (Rarangi):

Fern root, particularly the rhizome of the bracken fern (Pteridium esculentum), was a staple food source for the Māori. They processed fern root through a labor-intensive process to remove toxins and produce flour.

4. Fish:

The abundant coastline and waterways provided a rich source of fish for the Māori. They developed different fishing methods, including using harpoons, nets, and traps. Snapper, blue cod, flounder, and kahawai were among the many fish species that the Māori relied on.

5. Birds:

New Zealand's unique birdlife offered several avian food sources for the Māori. They hunted various bird species, such as moa (now extinct), kererū (wood pigeon), and tītī (muttonbird).

6. Seafood:

The Māori utilized a variety of seafood resources, including shellfish (mussels, pipis, and tuatua), crayfish, and sea urchin. Seafood was an important part of their coastal diet.

7. Plants and Berries:

The Māori took advantage of edible wild plants and berries found in the forests and coastal areas. These included raupo (bulrush), pūhā (sowthistle), kawakawa (pepper tree), and tī kōuka (cabbage tree).

8. Insects:

Certain species of insects, like huhu grubs and wētā, were also included in the Māori diet. These were often collected from native trees.

9. Wild Fruits:

Wild fruits, such as tōtara berries, rātā berries, and karaka berries, contributed to the plant-based diet of the Māori.

10. Wild Mushrooms:

The Māori incorporated edible wild mushrooms, such as piopio and titoki mushroom, into their cuisine.

11. Medicinal Plants:

Beyond food, the Māori found plants and herbs with medicinal properties, which were used for healing purposes.

It's important to note that some of the food sources mentioned may have had regional variations and were localized to certain areas of Aotearoa based on the specific availability of resources.