Culinary Masterpieces

Blueberries grown by LIFE team members as part of a research project at the CTAHR Volcano station were recently featured at a welcoming reception for Chancellor Tom Apple and Dean Maria Gallo to meet CTAHR stakeholders.

Chef Grant Sato & his team of the Culinary Institue of the Pacific at KCC created the Big Island Blueberry Float described as  haupia cubes, Waianae mango “jello,” Big Island blueberries, Kalihi backyard calamansi syrup, and Shinsato Farms jaboticabba syrup, topped with a macadamia nut honey whipped cream.

Attendees said, "Chef Sato and team did an awesome job with the produce they had!  It was like dining at one of Hawaii's finest restaurants, and everything was delicious.  The blueberry dessert was a favorite..."

 "Everyone raved about the blueberries!" and "It was very tasty, I can verify!"

Photo credit:  Robyn Chow-hoy

Kanu o ka ‘Āina Ceremony at the Lalamilo Research Station

Kanu o ka ‘Āina Ceremony at the Lalamilo Research Station

May 31, 2012

The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Lalamilo Research Station is located on the sunny side of Waimea on the island of Hawaii. The research station houses projects such as test plantings of olives, blueberries, protea and an arboretum of cherries, loquat, peaches, and persimmons. Kanu o ka ‘Āina is a bilingual Hawaiian-focused, project and place-based public charter school that first opened in 2000, on part of the Lalamilo Research Station. The school’s emphasis of promoting sustainability, respecting their elders and the ‘aina complements CTAHR’s educational program responsibilities. The Lalamilo location served as their school until they were able to relocate to their new facility in Pu'ukapu. A ceremony was held on May 31, 2012 to show aloha and appreciation for the land, as well as the people who helped to make their school a reality throughout the years. CTAHR will continue its mission to student preparation, global research and educational programs throughout the community.

The students selected and performed hula (dance) and mele (song) for everyone.

The students’ respect and aloha was felt by everyone present.

The student hula was accompanied by their kumu (teachers).

The ceremony served as an opportunity to show their gratitude for those who supported them throughout the years.

CTAHR personnel looking on

Kanu students reading comments from their fellow students. Both students and staff discussed the history of the school and offered heart-felt goodbyes to their campus.

Farm Manager Marla Fergerstrom gave a speech on behalf of CTAHR.

Milton Yamasaki, retired Farm Manager, also offered his thoughts.

Hawaii County Administrator Dr. Russell Nagata presented a koaia tree which will be planted on their new campus in Pu’ukapu.

The ceremony was completed with the students draping a ti leaf lei completely around the facility to signify their departure and the re-entry of CTAHR.

Blueberry Cuttings Showing Promise

Blueberry cutting are showing promise. 

Cuttings are being rooted in an aquaculture cinder system. 

Photo taken May 17, 2012

New Crop-Diversification: Blueberry Field Day

Field testing of blueberry varieties at Volcano and Waimea by the CTAHR High Vaccinium Project

Blueberry flowers 

Screening of fruit based on a variety of established quality measures

Technology Transfer: Blueberry Field Day

Dr. Stuart Nakamoto, CTAHR Extension Economist talks about the various risk areas in Hawaii agriculture and provides information about various crop insurance and risk management strategies

Program leaders: Andrew Kawabata, Dr. Stuart Nakamoto and Randy Hamasaki educate growers about the blueberry greenhouse trials 

Dr. Stuart Nakamoto explains the results of the greenhouse pot test 

Extension agent Randy Hamasaki explains to growers the differences between blueberry varieties 

Interested growers and participants are able to see first hand the different blueberry varieties and their unique horticultural characteristics

Taste testing opportunities were provided

The highlights of the workshop (based of workshop evaluations) were the open air and hands-on opportunities to pick and taste the different blueberry varieties.

New Crops in Hawaii: Blueberry Field Day

Risk Management Hawaii and Local & Immigrant Farmer Education Program

Presents

Blueberry Field Day

UHM-CTAHR Volcano Research Station

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

9:30 am to 12:00 pm

Hosts: Andrew Kawabata, Stuart T. Nakamoto and Randy T. Hamasaki

Interested in growing blueberries?  You are invited to visit the UHM-College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Volcano Research Station for an informal briefing and update of our research in greenhouse blueberry production and to “talk-story”.  Check out the different trials we have including effect of pot size on yield, different blueberry varieties, and pruning methods.  You will also get a chance to sample some of the different blueberry varieties.

The volcano research station is situated less than 8 miles from the Volcano National Park, so vog can be extremely concentrated depending on the wind conditions.  Please take necessary precautions and bring water. Please come prepared for rain and chilly weather too.

Please call Didi at 887-6183 or email mddiaz@hawaii.edu to reserve your spot and to receive last minute updates. 

Open to everyone without regard to race, age, sex, color or disability. Educational activities are accessible for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g., sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Didi @ (808) 887-6183 seven days before the activity/event.