As can be seen from the many different varieties and details of the traditional gourmet ingredients introduced in our interviews, the Truku are a tribe of people well adapted to their natural environment. The Truku utilize animals and plant common to their habitat in their daily diet, cook according to season and the life-cycle of ingredients, and even meld together traditional cuisine and festive rituals to form and pass down a traditional food culture. Nowadays, although Truku cuisine has changed in many ways due to their interaction and integration with other tribes and modern culture, but the spirit of living according to nature still remained, and provides a foundation on which we may hope to create a union between traditional culture and innovative aspirations.

Introduction:

The scientific name of djulis is the Chenopodium- formosanum, it is a grain traditionally cultivated by the aboriginal people of Taiwan, whom plant and harvest in accordance with festive rituals. According to the senior we interviewed, Grandma Bao-shu He, Grandma He said that the Truku believe Djulis tastes better when made into wine or cooked with white rice, because it contains a certain sweetness. And because the ears of flowers are colorful and mystical, changing from green to yellow to a violet red, the Paywan tribes and Rukai tribes also use djulis in their headdresses.

Reference:

1. The ruby of grains, djulis is the Chenopodium- formosanum. (2008). Taiwan Environmental Information Association-Environmental Information Center. http://e-info.org.tw/node/39818.

2. Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Bao-shu Hen, Date of Interview: 2011.4.15 [up]

Introduction:

The edible part of ginger is its tuber, it has the qualities of inducing perspiration, elevating body temperature to drive away the cold, and of improving stomach function and spirits by making you feel warmed up. Ginger can be used as a condiment to improve food flavor, and the more tender parts of it can be preserved and eaten as a side dish. In the mountains, you can often see people plant ginger along the hillside and harvest them at all times for home cooking.

Reference:

http://www.jxm.ks.edu.tw/produce/ginger.htm，檢索日期：20120210。[up]

3 Flying squirrels

Truku name:rapit

sound:

Scientific name:

Formosan giant flying squirrel（Petaurista philippensis grandis）

White-faced flying squirrel（Petaurista alborufus lena）

Formosan hairy-footed flying squirrel（Belomys pearsonii kaleensis）

Introduction:

Formosan giant flying squirrel, white-faced flying squirrel, and Formosan hairy-footed flying squirrel
Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals, and although they are called “flying” squirrels, in truth they aren’t able to fly, but glide from high boughs to the ground using the patagium that stretches between their body and limbs. Flying squirrels commonly seen in Taiwan include the Formosan giant flying squirrel, white-faced flying squirrel, and Formosan hairy-footed flying squirrel. The Formosan giant flying squirrel is the largest of them all, with a fur that is reddish brown speckled with bits of black; the white-faced flying squirrel has a pure white foreheads and cheeks, while the rest of it is dark brown; the Formosan hairy-footed flying squirrel has two tufts of fine black fur sprouting from either side of its ears.

The Truku are a tribe of skilled hunters, when we interviewed Uncle Guang-nan He of our community, Uncle He told us that before decree was issued that flying squirrels may not be captured or killed, they often hunted for the squirrels. Hunters would smoke the meat dry up in the mountains, then bring the dried meat down to share with their tribesmen. The game they bring down from the mountains are usually only available in festivals or wedding feasts. Because flying squirrels feed on tender leaves, young shoots, fruits, and seeds, some people even eat the undigested food raw if any are found in the squirrels’ digestive system after they have been killed.

Reference:

1. Animal list- Formosan giant flying squirrel, White-faced flying squirrel, Formosan hairy-footed flying squirrel. Animal list- Ecological conservation- Yushan National Park. http://www.ysnp.gov.tw/animallist.aspx. Date of Retrieval: 2012.02.10.

2. Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Bao-shu Hen, Date of Interview: 2009.1.13 [up]

4 banana

Truku name:blbul 

sound:

Introduction:

The banana is an important ingredient for making banana rice, whenever the Truku hold festive rituals or weddings, they share with each other packets of wrapped banana rice. They would mix ripe bananas with sticky, wrap the mixture up in banana leaves and steam it, and the result is a rice that’s sweet with the fragrance of bananas, and leaves a pleasant taste on the palate.

Reference:

Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Li-lan Wang, Date of Interview: 2012.2.10 [up]

Introduction:

The pigeon pea is rich in starch and proteins, and is very nutritious. Pigeon peas are harvested every year from December to March, and you can often see blooming pigeon tree bushes with yellow flowers alongside of the fields. Fall and winter are traditionally the hunting season of the Truku tribe, and ripe pigeon peas are just in season to be cooked with game meat to produce a delicious meal. The dishes are so tasty, they always leave you wanting for more!

Reference:

Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Li-lan Wang, Date of Interview: 2011.4.15 [up]

Introduction:

The fruit of the makauy is round, black, and small, kind of like the black peppercorns we commonly see, but it tastes much spicier and a little bit astringent. Nowadays, there are quite a few makauys planted on the hillsides of Hongye Village, Hualien County Wan-rong Township. Ms. Su-min Huang of Hongye High-raised House Restaurant told us that when makauy is harvested from the mountains, the fruits must be carefully picked off one by one, their pungent smell often makes your nose tickle. After the fruits have been washed clean, they are marinated in salt and wine, then they may be cooked and soups or eaten as a side dish, they are spicy and whet the appetite.

Reference:

Hongyeh Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Su-min Huang, Date of Interview: 2012.1.6 [up]

Introduction:

Bird’s nest fern grows in the mid-lower altitudes of Taiwanese mountainous areas, it is a large ground or climbing fern that can often be seen growing on tree trunks in the mountains and hills. Taiwanese bird’s nest ferns include Asplenium nidus and Asplenium antiquum Aspleniumnidu, the former has many linear sporangiorus growing along the small veins of leaves, and can take reach up to 1/3 or 1/2 the length of the vein; the linear sporangiorus of the latter stems from midrib to leaf margin or 2/3 of small veins.

The soft curling young shoots of the fern is edible, and is usually parboiled and eaten as a cold dish. It is fresh, crunchy, nutritious, and a good choice of food. When we interviewed Aunt Shiou-su Wen, who cultivates bird’s nest ferns, she told us that ferns have no need of pesticides and can be grown in natural environments, therefore bird’s nest ferns are a kind of a truly organic and healthy vegetable!

Reference:

1. Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Xiu-shu Wen, Date of Interview: 2011.5.6

2. Asplenium nidus. Taiwan Biodiversity Information Facility Species lists. http://taibif.org.tw/?tid=459. Date of Retrieval: 2012.02.10.

Introduction:

Yams are grown in sandy soil rich in organic matter, it is in season every November to the following February. Its edible part is the tubers growing underground, and may be tubular, round, or palm-shaped; the color of yam skins range from red, yellow, brown or white; their flesh may be white, purple, or red. Currently there are 14 species and 5 variants of yams available in Taiwan, with up to 140 different strains.

The tubers may be cooked in soups or with rice, yams that are lightly cooked are crunchy in texture while yams that have been fully cooked are soft and airy, and are considered to be a popular ingredient.

Reference:

Safe yam. Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.(Taiwan) Leisure and life Fruits and vegetables, flowers, tea, grains_ Safe yam. http://www.coa.gov.tw/view.php?catid=318. Date of Retrieval: 2012.02.10.  [up]

Introduction:

Small bamboo shoots can be found in the hills and mountains all over the island, and propagate themselves by means of hardy underground stems. In low altitude mountainous areas, you can often find entire forests of bamboos and mature bamboo shoots. According to the tribal senior Grandma Bo-shu He, the Truku tribesmen not only used to eat the delicious shoots, but also take mature bamboo plants and make them into tools, arrows, or as building material for housing. Tender bamboo shoots are in season in April and May, and if you come too late you won’t see any at all! Good food does not wait for the tardy traveler!

Reference:

Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Bao-shu Hen, Date of Interview: 2011.4.22 [up]

Introduction:

Laugiu looks a little like the garlic we commonly see and eat, it is small in size, and its bulbs may be eaten raw, stir-fried, salted, or preserved in vinegar. Its leaves also provides for a good dish. Laugiu is of high nutritional value, and it is said that regularly eating laugiu improves your immune system and makes you less likely to be sick! Laugiu improves the balance of mind and body, and is a good diet source for all!

Reference:

1. Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Ms. Xiu-shu Wen, Date of Interview: 2011.5.6

2. Allium bakeri Regel. Taipei Botanical Garden E-tour guide information website_Database. http://tpbg.tfri.gov.tw/plants/plants_info.php?rid=879. Date of Retrieval: 2012.02.10.[up]

Introduction:

The rattan palm grows naturally in the mountains, but is now sometimes artificially cultivated. Aside from its roots, the rattan palm is covered entirely with prickly thorns, therefore one must be careful when harvesting the plant, and should always wear boots, gloves, and thick trousers to prevent from being pricked by its thorns. The young tender shoots of the rattan palm are eaten, and can be cooked in soups or stir-fried with meat. It has a bitter taste, therefore even though adults claim it is beneficial to bodily health, few children care for this delicacy.

Reference:

1. Tongmen Village, Shioulin Township , Hualien County. Interviewee: Mr. You-hsiang Hsu , Date of Interview: 2009.12.4 [up]

Introduction:

Solanaceae, annual herb, seen in low-altitude areas throughout Taiwan. Black nightshade soup is a traditional Truku dish. It can alleviate a hangover, clean bowels, and treat a stomach ache.

Reference:

 1. Guide to Vascular Plants in Taiwan (VI) —Black Nightshade. Retrieved on: Feb. 11, 2010. Website: http://subject.forest.gov.tw/species/vascular/4/book1/156.htm
2. Kaji Cihung (2008). Plants, Culture and Tribal Industries-Investigation Report on the Truku Plants and Ecological Concepts. 2007 Stage 2 Research Project sponsored by the National Culture and Arts Foundation.
3. Lin, M.H. (2007). Study of Truku Plants--Using Tatung Tribe of Shioulin Township, Hualien County, as an example. Master's thesis, Graduate Institute of Ecology and Environmental Education, National Hualien University of Education (unpublished). [up]

Introduction:

It belongs to Poaceae family and Setaria genus. It is an annual plant, with straight stalk, and grows lushly. It has string or lanceolate leaves; its ligule is a circle of hair, sometimes with membranes. It is cylindraceous panicle, looks like tassel or tightened on branches, height 10-30 cm, drooping when matured. Inner husk and its tassel are equally long.

Taiwan millets have a long history in cultivation. Perhaps they were introduced by early migrant from mainland China. They were the primary food for early Taiwan indigenous people. Usually they were planted at hillsides in spring. Currently, Pingtung County and Taitung County have the largest production of millets.

According to an investigation by Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, there was 160 varieties of millets in Taiwan. In the past, “Puloyang” and “Gaolan” in Taitung County, and Kuwali Yalin”, “Lala”, and “Lukang” in Pingtung County has the largest farming area of millets. These varieties were inherited by the indigenous people from various places. Their origins are unclear; besides, due to their long history of cultivation, these breeds have already been mixed. After breeding units’ seed selection, Taiwan has 8 breeds; among them, “Taitung 7” is the most widely cultivated and promoted.

Reference:

1. A Short Record of Taiwan Vascular Bundle Plants, Vol. 5—Millets. http://subject.forest.gov.tw/species/vascular/5/index-1.htm
2. Lin, W.J. (1996) Millets. A Handbook of the Cultivation of Various and Small Amount of non-Rice and –Wheat Products.. Agricultural and Forestry Department, Taiwan Provincial Government.
3. Su, C.C. (2001) An Introduction to Taiwan Delicate non-Rice and –Wheat Products. non-Rice and –Wheat Products and Livestock Products.
4. Agriculture and Food Agency website—Millets. http://www.afa.gov.tw/ public_index.asp?CatID=85[up]

[Maizes] Written by: Zhi-yuan Wu

Introduction:

It belongs to the Poaceae family and Zea genus. It is an annual plant with straight stalks; it has supporting roots at the base part of it stalk. It has big and wide leaves, big ligule with hairs. Male flowers grow at its top and are cone-shape. Tassels are grow in pairs, one with small stem, both have stamen; external husk are papery. Female flowers axillary with single raceme, which are wrapped by various bud; small tassels grow from plump stems, and are dense. They are cultivated, can only be seen beside fields and farms. 　　

Maize was imported from Xifan (between Yunnan, Tibet, and Myanmar) to China, earlier than other American-originated plants. According to A General Record of Yunnan in Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period, “Records of Dali Area” records that maize was already widely cultivated.

Reference:

1. A Short Record of Taiwan Vascular Bundle Plants, Vol. 5—Maize. http://subject.forest.gov.tw/species/vascular/5/index-1.htm
2. Chiba, T., trans. by Yu, J.R. “The Maize Recorded in Ming’s Documents”. Scientific Agriculture, 1973: Vol. 21, Issue 5/6. http://seed.agron.ntu.edu.tw/ cropsci/ maize/yu01.htm [up]

[Maizes] Written by: Yan-rou Wu

Introduction:

It belongs to the Poaceae family and Zea genus. It is an annual plant with straight stalks; it has supporting roots at the base part of it stalk. It has big and wide leaves, big ligule with hairs. Male flowers grow at its top and are cone-shape. Tassels are grow in pairs, one with small stem, both have stamen; external husk are papery. Female flowers axillary with single raceme, which are wrapped by various bud; small tassels grow from plump stems, and are dense. They are cultivated, can only be seen beside fields and farms.

Maize was imported from Xifan (between Yunnan, Tibet, and Myanmar) to China, earlier than other American-originated plants. According to A General Record of Yunnan in Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period, “Records of Dali Area” records that maize was already widely cultivated.

Reference:

1. Agriculture and Food Agency Website—Edible Sweet Potatoes. http://www. afa. gov.tw/public_index.asp?CatID=77
2. A Short Record of Taiwan Vascular Bundle Plants , Vol. 4—Sweet Potatoes. http://subject.forest.gov.tw/species/vascular/4/Book1/index-1.htm  [up]

Introduction:

It belongs to the Araceae family and Colocasia genus. It is an herbaceous wet-grown plant. Its Stem tubers are egg-shape, having brown and rough skin, with several wheel loops, their pulps are white, light yellow or purple dotted. Its leaves are wide and almost circular shape or shield shape, and grow on the top of the stems. Leaves’ points are short and sharp or short and gradually sharp. Its leafstalks are red-brown or green, having red-brown bases. Its tubers and leafstalks are edible. Its tubers contains starch, fiber, adhesive egg white, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, and iron.

It originated from South Eastern Asia, India and South China area. It was imported to Taiwan by Taiwan aborigine from South Eastern Asia, and then later was imported from China and Japan. Since its long history of cultivation, there are many different breeds and varieties. In terms of cultivation environment, Taros can be divided into hydra taro and drought taro. Bin-lang-hsin-yu and Mian-yu are the most common taros on the market. The former has better taste and scent, thus, popularity, while the latter is usually processed as taro powder.

Reference:

1. The Fragrance of Chiahsian Taro—The Taro File—Breeds of Taro.
http:// librarywork.taiwanschoolnet.org/cyberfair2006/jxp1/index2a.htm
2. Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station—Column of Production and Marketing Squad—Agricultural Speciality. http://www.hdais. gov.tw/10/農特產品/蔬菜/taro.pdf
3. Agriculture Website for Kids—Mita Kaleidoscope—Organisms—Plants—Vegetables—Stem Vegatables.http://kids.coa.gov.tw/knowledge.php?type=view &code=A13&id=taita_taita_20080123104914
4. A Short Record of Taiwan Vascular Bundle Plants, Vol. 5—Taro.
http://subject.forest.gov.tw/species/vascular/5/index-1.htm [up]

[Wild Boars] Written by: Zhi-yuan Wu

Introduction:

Taiwan Wild Boars are smaller than ordinary farm pigs. Their length from mouth to anus is about 70~90 cm; their heads slightly protrude, with a thick disk-shape front end with nostrils. They have small eyes, delicate tails with hairs. Young wild boars have brown-yellowish and black strips, very lovely. When they grown up, they become gray-black in colour. Their limbs are short, each with four fingers. Male boars have developed fangs, while female ones do not.

They are night animal, and polyphagia; mainly eat young leaves, tubers, juicy fruit or crops grown by farmers. They will also dig roots of trees or weeds; and lay on grasses to rest. They often left cylindraceous beast track; life-span last 15~20 years. They appear in forest and twitch grass area throughout Taiwan.

Reference:

1. Yangmingshan National Park—Taiwan Wild Boars http://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/web/webpage.aspx?f=data_file/animal93/animal93_d3-12.htm

2. Digital Museum of Zoology, National Taiwan University —Mammal Database—Taiwan Wild Boars. http://archive.zo.ntu.edu.tw/mammal/r_mamm_index.asp?mamm_id=M0058

3. Jianching Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Interviewee: Mr. Kuang-nan Ho, Date of Interview: 2009.1.13

4. Tongmen Village, Shioulin Township , Hualien County. Interviewee: Mr. You-hsiang Hsu , Date of Interview: 2009.12.4 [up]

Introduction:

The Formosan Reeve’s muntjac is a Cervidae, and is an endemic subspecies of Taiwan. It can found in the mid to lower altitude forests of the island. The Formosan Reeves’ muntjac is a small, cute animal. Every year from February to June is its mating season, and its sharp, shrill barks are often heard in the mountains, hence it is sometimes called the “barking deer.”

Before hunting bans were decreed, the Formosan Reeve’s muntjac was common game for the Truku tribesmen who rule the mountainous regions of Taiwan, and were an excellent source of protein.

Reference:

Formosan Reeve’s muntjac. Yangmingshan National Park _Natural resources database_Mammals. http://gis.ymsnp.gov.tw/nature/sys_guest/Main_AL_frm.cfm?TAB_CLASS=AL&etab=DB_A_Mammal. Date of Retrieval: 2012.02.10.  [up]

19 Peanuts

Introduction:

Peanut belong to the fabaceae family, and because after the peanut flower blooms, its gynophore burrows into the soil and grows into a pod, therefore it is also called the “earth bean.” Peanuts are an important grain in Taiwan, and one of the secondary staple foods of the Truku. There are many ways to cook peanuts, such as sautéing them directly, boiling them, cooking them in meat stews, or husking them and grinding them into peanut powder. Bouncy mochi covered with sweetened peanut powder is a favorite snack beloved by children!

Reference:

Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. _Peanuts. http://www.afa.gov.tw/public_index.asp?CatID=10. Date of Retrieval: 2012.02.10.

Introduction:

The squash is a trailing herbaceous plant cultivated for its fruit. In Taiwan, squash can be grown throughout the entire year, but are best sown during the months of November to January. You can often recognize the big white-lined leaves of the squash growing along the vines that trail over the ground in vegetable gardens. Squash is one of the secondary staple foods of the Truku, and are usually boiled directly, or eaten with meat. Some country restaurants dip squash slices or flowers in batters and fry them, giving them a unique texture that is crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Reference:

Network Botanical Garden_Squash. http://www.floral.com.tw/floral/floristbypermalink/a5c5f702bde53de348256fe000093935. Date of Retrieval: 2012.02.10. [up]