How do maori people eat their food?

The Māori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand and have a rich and diverse culture, including unique culinary traditions and practices. Here's a general overview of how Māori people traditionally ate their food:

1. Hangi:

- The hangi is a traditional Māori method of cooking food underground using hot stones. It involves digging a pit, lining it with leaves and branches, placing food wrapped in leaves or flax baskets on top, and then covering the pit with soil and rocks.

- The food is cooked by the steam and heat generated from the hot stones. Common foods cooked in a hangi include meats (pork, chicken, lamb), seafood, vegetables (such as potatoes, kūmara), and root crops.

- The hangi is often used for special occasions, gatherings, and ceremonies, and the food is typically shared communally.

2. Umu:

- The umu is another traditional Māori method of cooking food, similar to the hangi but more portable. It involves building a fire on a bed of stones or rocks and placing food on top to cook.

- The umu is often used for cooking fish, shellfish, and other foods that require direct heat. It's also used for roasting vegetables and preparing hangi-style dishes in smaller quantities.

3. Kāinga:

- Kāinga refers to a traditional Māori communal meal or feast. It's an important aspect of Māori culture, bringing people together to share food, socialize, and strengthen community bonds.

- During a kāinga, food is prepared using traditional methods like hangi or umu, showcasing local ingredients and seasonal produce.

- The meal is typically served on large platters or wooden bowls, and people eat together, sharing stories and strengthening relationships.

4. Sharing and Hospitality:

- Sharing food and practicing hospitality are highly valued in Māori culture. Hosts show manaakitanga (hospitality) by offering guests the best food and ensuring they are well-fed and taken care of.

- In the Māori tradition, food is not only sustenance but also a way of expressing care, gratitude, and respect.

5. Traditional Foods:

- The diet of the Māori people traditionally consisted of a variety of native plants, seafood, and birds. Some staple foods include kūmara (sweet potato), taro, fern root, seafood (fish, shellfish), wild game (such as birds and pigs), and seasonal fruits and berries.

- Māori people have also incorporated introduced foods into their cuisine over time, adapting and blending traditional and modern ingredients.

It's worth noting that Māori culinary practices and food traditions can vary among different iwi (tribes) and regions of New Zealand. The information provided here offers a general overview of traditional Māori food customs, but there may be variations and additions based on specific tribal traditions and cultural practices.