Page 350 - Micronesia

ABOUT THE COVER About the Cover

While visitors know Guam While family and faith is Red Rice (Hineksa’ Agaga’) –
as the jewel of Micro- at the center of Chamorro a flavorful blend of seasoned
nesia and a favorite tropical culture, both often find their rice colored with annatto
destination for vacation holi- place at the fiesta table. seeds from the achote plant.
days, the heart of the island Within the flower shape on Although rice has been a
is really its rich Chamorro the cover of our Guam Guide, staple in the Chamorro diet
culture. you’ll find some of our is- for hundreds of years, it was
At the center of that cul- land’s favorite foods – from not prepared using the achote
ture is a tradition com- red rice to chicken kelaguen. seed until Spanish settlers
prised of the island’s Please take time to explore introduced the plant to Guam.
Catholic faith in- our local cuisine and discover Achote releases a dye when
troduced by the fiesta table. It is there soaked in water, which is
– during mealtimes – where then mixed with rice to give
2 families come together, new a distinct orange color. Other
friendships are made, and old ingredients are often added
the Spanish ones rekindled. including bacon, onion, garlic,
in the 1600s and peas.
and a Should you be fortunate
respect enough to be invited to a bar-
for beque, fandango (wedding),
family, fiesta (celebration of Catholic
rooted in patron saint) or a baptismal
the ancient (a Christening of a person,
Chamorro normally an infant, into the
culture, known Catholic faith), you will most
as the oldest likely enjoy the following
civilization in foods:
Micronesia.
Chicken Kelaguen (Kelaguen
Mannok) – a popular dish at
almost all get-togethers char-
acterized by a technique used
in preparing chopped meats
with lemon juice, salt, grated
coconut, and hot red pep-
pers. Kelaguen – which can
be made using chicken, beef,
shrimp, or even Spam® - is
similar to chicken seviche but
without the cilantro leaves.