Page 17 - AHATA

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local Thursday 20 March 2025
Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

(Oranjestad)—If you’ve from the Marum research respond to fluctuating sea
been to the northern coast faculty at the University of levels or extreme weather,
of Aruba already, you’ve Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio like hurricanes and tsuna-
probably noticed how the Rovere from the Ca' Fosc- mis.
ground differs entirely from ari University of Venice and
the sandy beaches on the Prof. dr. Gianfranco Scic- Through underwater and
southern part of the island. chitano, from the University land surveillance, and 3D
These hard surfaces, with of Bari Aldo Moro, present- models of the reefs, they
sharp bumps and holes ed their research on these were able to narrow down
are actually fossilized coral fossilized coral reefs at the when these formations
reefs, of which its growth University of Aruba. Their started to take place. They
and changes can be focus for their research in- were also able to track the
traced back to the last gla- cluded studying the health fluctuation of sea levels
cial period. and formation patterns of during the past hundred or
these coral reefs, and to even thousands of years,
On May 30 2023, geosci- investigate how these reefs and the effects that this
entists, Dr. Patrick Boyden have responded and can fluctuation has had on the coral reefs of the windward reefs have formed.
side of Aruba.
This research is also im-
These findings can certainly portant for the future of
put things into perspective. coral reefs on the island.
The ground on which we By studying rising sea lev-
have walked many times els and climate impact on
in the northern part of the these coral reefs, we are
island hold such rich history, able to take concrete ac-
history that dates back to tion in protecting and pre-
a time that most of us can- serving our coral reefs. So, if
not even imagine. As the you are ever visiting one of
scientists themselves have the bocas or driving along
pointed out, these fossilized the northern part of the is-
reefs on the windward side land, please be conscious
are truly an incredible and to help protect our natural
rare remnant of geologi- historical remnant. Oh, and
cal history, as they provide wear (coral-friendly) sun-
a clear view of how these screen! q

Dining in? Try making a local favorite
How to make “funchi hasa”

(Oranjestad)—A night in can be just as fun as Ingredients (measured by heart)
a night out on the town, especially if you got 1. Polenta flour*
the right snacks to munch on. One of the most 2. Water
famous Aruban snacks or appetizers is “funchi 3. Butter
hasa” (fried polenta sticks). A super easy meal 4. Salt to taste
that adults and children will both enjoy. Here’s
how to make it! Directions
Bring water to a boil in a medium-sized sauce
Before we start, get to know the basics pan. Add in some salt and butter to taste in
So what is funchi hasa? Funchi, or Aruban the boiling water and let this dissolve and melt.
polenta, is a popular side dish for local dishes, Then, gradually add the flour while stirring with
like soups, stews and fried fish. Made from a corn a wooden spoon. The mixture will start to begin
flour, water and butter mixture, this appetizer to harden pretty fast, so be careful not to add
is traditionally eaten alongside a warm meal. too much. At this phase of cooking, you want dipping sauce.
However, locals also like to fry sticks of funchi for a goopy thick mixture, but thin enough so you Note: We recommend the FUNCHI FRESKU
a quick and filling snack. can continue to stir to get all the lumps out. polenta flour brand that is sold in all supermarkets
on the island. You can also use yellow corn flour
After reaching a semi-firm, yet flexible texture, from the brand PAN.q
grab a baking pan or any large, deep plate,
and pour the mixture in. Be sure that this plate Photo credit of fried funchi sticks: Jacqueline Felida
is wet or greased so that the mixture does not on Pinterest.
stick to the bottom. Let this cool completely
while it firms up for the last time. Once it’s
cooled you can enjoy it as is, topped with some
butter or shredded cheese. Or, you can take it
to another level of deliciousness.

When your funchi is firm enough, cut it into strips
(size is up to you). Heat up some oil in a pan and
fry those babies up! After frying, you can top it
with some cheese or enjoy it with your favorite