Hawaii and the Polynesian culture's influence on food is self-evident. Hawaiin pizza is a thing and eating full meals out of a hollowed-out pineapple has become one of the most Instagrammed food items of all-time. However, Hawaii has mastered one particular food item that is not only delicious but will keep you cool in those sunny and humid Hawaiian temperatures with a dessert known to the locals as 'shave ice.'
Shaved ice isn't your regular snow cone dyed with brightly-colored corn syrup over crushed ice. Shave ice has a consistency that makes the average snow cone texture almost seem barbaric. It's got a fluffy consistency that makes for an unmatched eating experience that is unlike ice cream or snow cones. Shave ice also has an extensive catalog of flavors that you might not ever think to try including pickled mango, Haupia (sweet creamy coconut), POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava), and more. Toppings like custard, azuki beans, and mochi also take shave ice to the next level.
Over the years, weve seen so many food trends come and go, such as ramen burgers, matcha, and spiked ice-cream. Nowadays, were seeing another trend making waves in the food industry. How many times today have you seen an Instagram photo of a scoop of black ice cream, or a cup of black yogurt, or hamburgers with black buns? Indeed, the charcoal trend has taken the world by storm.
So, what gives your latte that deep black shade? Activated charcoal, or coconut ash, is produced by heating coconut shells to insanely high temperatures until theyre burnt to a crisp. The ashes are then increased in size by steaming at high temperatures. Through this process, the ashes become a strong detoxifier, mostly because they become extra absorbent. This product may be purchased in pill form, and promises to alleviate hangovers, minimize the effects of food poisoning, and fight the visible signs of aging.
Activated charcoal is said to boost ones energy as a result of decreasing toxins in the body. However, no evidence proves that detoxifying can lead to increased energy. Also, while it can help cure a hangover, it doesnt necessarily remove alcohol from your blood. It is also said to aid in debloating your stomach because it cleanses your colon but again, this all anecdotal and isnt supported by scientific evidence as of yet. All we can say for sure is that it is a proven detoxifier.