This Ancient Hawaiian Plant’s Popularity Has Soared. Not Everyone Is Pleased (live, price)

[Tulemutt]

Mamaki was in Hawaii long before tea and coffee arrived in the 1800s, but only recently has it become a contender for a place in the beverage aisle.

Iced or hot, the dried leaves of this endemic shrub have been increasingly making their way into products across the country. It’s caffeine-free and has been compared to green tea for its therapeutic qualities.

More mamaki-focused farms have emerged, leading to more mamaki tea products. But not everyone is pleased by the boon of this native plant and those who are benefiting from its growing popularity. Mamaki is steeped in Hawaiian history and culture.

https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/02/th...ne-is-pleased/

[prospectheightsresident]

I bought a drink made from these leaves today at Wegmans. I have to say that I'm not a fan. So if the plant goes extinct it won't be because of me

[steiconi]

We grew mamaki when we lived on the BI. I didn't care for the taste.

[Futuremauian]

Originally Posted by prospectheightsresident

I bought a drink made from these leaves today at Wegmans. I have to say that I'm not a fan. So if the plant goes extinct it won't be because of me

I bought a case of that Shaka Tea at Costco. The Mango Hibiscus tasted like cough medicine and the Pineapple Mint tasted like mouthwash.

I considered returning it with two bottles missing. Instead, I put it in our laundry room for whomever.

Someone took it.

I am surprised Costco stocked it. Usually, their products have widespread appeal. That stuff sucked!

We go through cases of Lipton Iced Tea weekly.

[Hawk J]

I like Snapple Peach Tea... It's at a pretty good price, at Walmart.

[AntonioR]

Originally Posted by Futuremauian

I bought a case of that Shaka Tea at Costco. The Mango Hibiscus tasted like cough medicine and the Pineapple Mint tasted like mouthwash.

I considered returning it with two bottles missing. Instead, I put it in our laundry room for whomever.

Someone took it.

I am surprised Costco stocked it. Usually, their products have widespread appeal. That stuff sucked!

We go through cases of Lipton Iced Tea weekly.

The label of the bottle looks quite nice. It appears that is the nicest aspect, considering the unflattering reviews that product receives by some here. Maybe is a learned taste? I remember the first time I tried flan, it certainly looked better than it tasted. Now I'm able to enjoy the stuff a couple of times a year, but it does tastes different from that first time. It was a miracle I gave it a second chance, otherwise to this day flan wouldn't reach my mouth again.

[Tulemutt]

So far, thoughts on this little curious article are tasting ‘reviews’ … nothing about the product potentially become a notable export business. Of course, if not many, if any, who try the tea, like it …. Guess export won’t succeed, eh?

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Mamaki has been around for a long time in the "niche" market. There are those who promote it because of its healing properties. We have a neighbor who has grown and exported it for years. But, will it catch on big time? Hard to say. I guess it depends on having a good promotion campaign to convince people that they "need" it. Then, who are going to be the big growers on the island to produce enough to be a notable export?

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

Mamaki has been around for a long time in the "niche" market. There are those who promote it because of its healing properties. We have a neighbor who has grown and exported it for years. But, will it catch on big time? Hard to say. I guess it depends on having a good promotion campaign to convince people that they "need" it. Then, who are going to be the big growers on the island to produce enough to be a notable export?

I suppose if it trends as a ‘secret medicinal formerly known only to ————‘ (fill blanks), it could become popular in spite of whatever bad taste. If some people will inject bleach to fight a virus, I imagine drinking bitter tea is nothing …

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

I suppose if it trends as a ‘secret medicinal formerly known only to ————‘ (fill blanks), it could become popular in spite of whatever bad taste. If some people will inject bleach to fight a virus, I imagine drinking bitter tea is nothing …