Kalua
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Imu redirects here. For the acronym, see IMU.
Kalua is a traditional Hawaiian cooking method that utilizes an imu, or underground oven. The word kalua literally means "to cook in an underground oven" and also describes the flavor of food cooked in this manner - e.g. kalua pig, which is commonly served at luaus.
Traditionally, extremely hot rocks were placed in a hole approximately 6' by 4' by 3' and the hole was lined with vegetation such as banana leaves. A salted pig was placed inside and covered with more banana leaves to preserve the heat and flavor. In some regions an apple was placed in the pig's mouth to add additional flavor and for show. Once removed from the imu, the pig was ready to be served.
Modern-day technology has replaced the use of rocks and leaves, but kalua pig slow-cooked in an imu pit continues to be a main attraction at most luaus, such as those held at Paradise Cove. United States Department of Agriculture standards prevent traditional kalua pig from being sold commercially. Some companies have attempted to imitate the kalua taste and even devised the imu pao (an above-ground variant of the imu), but most have failed to capture the distinct taste of a kalua pig.
The term "Kalua Pork" is frequently used to describe any pork shoulder butt which is rubbed with salt, wrapped in ti plant leaves, and slow smoked, without regard for an imu.
