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Tokelauan Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut Cream (Salati Fua)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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6
Servings

Ingredients

  • Ripe papaya, cubed — 1
  • Bananas, sliced — 2
  • Small pineapple, cubed — 1
  • Orange, peeled and segmented — 1
  • Coconut cream — 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup)
  • Honey or sugar, to taste — 1 tbsp
  • Shredded coconut, toasted, to serve — 2 tbsp

Method

  1. Cube the papaya and pineapple, and slice the bananas.
  2. Combine all the fruit in a large mixing bowl, handling the softer fruits gently.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the coconut cream with the honey or sugar to lightly sweeten it.
  4. Drizzle the sweetened coconut cream over the fruit just before serving, and toss gently to combine.
  5. Scatter with toasted shredded coconut and serve chilled.

Introduction: With papaya, banana and pandanus fruit growing on the atolls, a simple fresh fruit salad finished with
coconut cream is a natural, refreshing way to make use of Tokelau's tropical bounty, served at both
everyday meals and larger gatherings.

Cultural Background: With papaya, banana and pandanus fruit growing on the atolls, a simple fresh fruit salad finished with
coconut cream is a natural, refreshing way to make use of Tokelau's tropical bounty, served at both
everyday meals and larger gatherings.

Tips: Add the banana last and handle it gently, as it can turn mushy if over-mixed. Use whatever ripe tropical fruit is freshest and most in season.

Variations: Add diced mango if available. Serve over crushed ice for extra refreshment in hot weather. Naturally vegan and vegetarian.

Storage: Best eaten fresh; can be refrigerated for a few hours, though the fruit will release liquid over time.

Reheating: Not applicable — served cold.

FAQs:

Q: What fruits are most traditional in Tokelau?

A: Papaya, banana and pandanus fruit are among the fruits grown across the atolls.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: It's best assembled just before serving to keep the fruit fresh.

Q: Is the coconut cream essential?

A: It adds a lovely richness typical of Tokelauan cooking, though the fruit salad is enjoyable on its own too.