Karuka
Karuka refers to the edible kernels of certain Pandanus species, most notably Pandanus julianettii, native to the highlands of New Guinea. It is a traditional staple food for many Indigenous communities in Papua New Guinea and nearby regions, valued for its high energy and fat content.
The karuka tree is a tall, evergreen pandanus with long, sword-shaped leaves and a spreading crown. It
Harvesting typically occurs when the fruit heads mature, and the kernels are removed, cleaned, and processed.
Nutritionally, karuka kernels are rich in fats and proteins and serve as a crucial and relatively resilient