
Ask most Americans about American Samoa and they might tell you that the NFL has over twenty Samoan players. And, most Americans will say that American Samoa is in the South Pacific. Sadly, for most Americans that is about all they truly know about one of our own territories.
Not many Americans can ever claim to have visited the small archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean that is comprised of five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Ta'u, Ofu, Olosega, Aunu'u, Nu'utele) and two coral atolls (Swain's and Rose Islands). Tutuila comprises about two thirds of the total area and is home to 95% of the 64 000 islanders, according to the One World Nations website.

American Samoa is the center of Polynesia and is located 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii and 1,600 miles northeast of New Zealand. The first inhabitants came from the west around 600 BCE. The Europeans “discovered” the Samoan islands in 1722 when Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen sailed to their shores.

American Samoa has been a territory of the United States since the signing of the April 17, 1900 Deed of Cession. The strategic importance of American Samoa was invaluable to the United States during WWll. Since World War II, American Samoa has developed into a modern, self-governing political system with a non-voting representative elected to the United States congress.

Samoans have a wonderful variety of local foods such as fresh fish as well as chicken and pork. They enjoy regional foods such talo, ta'amu, and yams; tree crops such as breadfruit and coconut; and local beverages such as coffee and cocoa. But, they also rely on certain imported foods such as rice, canned meat and fish, butter, jam, honey, flour, sugar, bread and tea.
The Samoan diet is very rich and flavorful. The colors are equally as impressive in the following recipe that we found at a blog called
Panipopo’s Kitchen . Torn between two recipes we elected to make both since they were both very simple, yet wonderfully flavorful.

The
Oka I'a - Fish Salad is a beautiful and unique dish to bring to a potluck or serve it on individual tasting plates as a small appetizer.
The Koko Araisa – cocoa rice is a crowd pleaser. Think Cocoa Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies on steroids. This is a special treat for any child (or inner child) on a cold morning. It is a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that is certain to fuel you for days to come.
Oka I'a - Fish Salad: from Panipopo’s Kitchen
1 pound fresh tuna or snapper, cut into bite sized pieces
½ cup lemon or lime juice
¼ onion, diced
2 spring onions, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
1 large or 2 small cucumbers, cut into bite sized pieces
1 cup coconut milk
salt to taste
Place the fish into a bowl and cover with lemon or lime juice. Set aside for as little as a few minutes to one hour. The longer the fish sits in the juice the firmer the texture will be.
When the fish has “marinated” to your taste drain the juice and discard. Add the vegetables and coconut milk. Add salt to taste. Mix together gently and then refrigerate for at least half an hour to allow the flavors to blend.
For the sake of freshness serve the same day.
Koko Araisa: from Panipopo’s Kitchen
1 cup rice
5 cups water
1 laumoli (orange leaf) (optional)
½ cup grated Koko Samoa (or high quality unsweetened cocoa)
¾ cup to 1 cup sugar
½ can coconut milk (optional)
In a saucepan, over high heat, place water and laumoli.
When the rice comes to a boil, add the Koko Samoa and stir well. Turn the heat down low and simmer, covered, until the rice is cooked.
When the rice is done, turn off the heat. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add coconut milk, if using. Mix well, and then serve.
Kiri W.
October 19, 2011 at 10:22 pm //
Wow, these sound wonderful! Thank you so much for this post, it’s great learning about new-to-me cultures (hey, I’m not even American!), I appreciate it. And as always, gorgeous pictures.
Emily Malloy @Cleanliness
October 20, 2011 at 1:14 am //
Hoooly Moly!
…It’s a beaut, Clark!
Emilia
October 20, 2011 at 3:35 am //
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, I am getting hungry. I love the idea of the fish salad, so light and tasty.
Faith
October 20, 2011 at 4:25 am //
A really lovely post on the rich cuisine of Samoa! Both dishes look wonderful!
Madison
October 20, 2011 at 10:39 am //
A very good friend of mine is Samoan and she make cocoa rice for me once. It sure is rich and yummy!
Nicole@TheGalleyGourmet
October 20, 2011 at 11:43 am //
The Oka I’a sounds almost like a ceviche. Really interesting flavors! I have never used a laumoli leaf– it’s optional, but is there a good subsitute?
myfudo
October 20, 2011 at 11:51 am //
Hi Nicole, absolutely, you can try using fruit zest in place of the leaves if they aren’t available. That should give it the citrus that you are aiming for, oh please let us know if you try it, would love to hear your thoughts = )
myfudo
October 20, 2011 at 11:51 am //
Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments, they mean so much to us!
crustabakes
October 20, 2011 at 3:23 pm //
wow. what a great history on the american samoans! and the fish salad looks so exotic!
tigerfish
October 20, 2011 at 5:20 pm //
Glad you shared this. I learn something new today about American Samoan culture and cuisine.
Joanne
October 20, 2011 at 8:27 pm //
Well, I may not have known anything about Samoa BEFORE reading this post but now I certainly feel like I do!
Jeanette
October 21, 2011 at 5:45 am //
Thank you for introducing me to Samoan cuisine – this marinated snapper looks especially fresh!
Ridwan
October 21, 2011 at 6:23 am //
WoW,,,,interesting cuisine,the fish salad sound really fresh and exotic,and I’m big fan of rice,but rice with cocoa ?? is new to me,I have to try this :)
Thanks for sharing samoan culture.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
October 21, 2011 at 8:28 am //
What a great information you have given us! That fish salad looks fantastic, but I am really wanting some of that rice!
Lynn @ I'll Have What She's Having
October 21, 2011 at 9:10 am //
I love the colours and flavours in the fish salad, but I have to say the chocolate rice has me drooling. I can’t wait to try it!
myfudo
October 21, 2011 at 11:50 am //
Thank you all for all your comments, we are so happy you are enjoying this theme = )
aarthi
October 21, 2011 at 1:09 pm //
This looks really delicious..I should try this as soon as possible.thanks for the recipe dear..Following your blog straight away..If you have time Check out my blog too..
Aarthi
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/
I am having a Giveaway..
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/2011/10/3-reason-to-celebrate-3-cookbooks.html
Chinese Soup Pot
October 21, 2011 at 2:58 pm //
This is such an educational post. I enjoyed learning about Samoa just as much as being exposed to these unique recipes.
Emma
October 21, 2011 at 3:04 pm //
What a gorgeous, fresh fish dish, I really love the colours in the photos.
Samoan cuisine seems like it would be really delicious. I just love the look of that chocolate rice pudding!
myfudo
October 21, 2011 at 6:03 pm //
Thank you so much, so glad you are enjoying our Worldly Wednesdays!
Baltic Maid
October 22, 2011 at 4:55 am //
Thanks for sharing this. It looks delicious!