Aruhe is the root of the rahurahu (rārahu or rauaruhe) bracken fern, a tough ground fern with reddish-brown stems, which grows up to 2 metres tall.
It was considered to be second only to kumara as a carbohydrate and was an excellent companion plant. Its nutrients rejuvenate the soil with essential benefits required by potatoes.
Still to this day you can find aruhe growing around archaeological sites of traditional occupations.
The tubers require processing to eat, through pounding out the fibrous threads. There is ample opportunity to explore this kai rangatira with today's modern appliances. Watch this space as you may see a recipe in one of our upcoming recipes!
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