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Taro Leaves in Wellington, NZ

Taro leaves are imported into New Zealand from the Pacific Islands. Pacific grocers stock them.

Updated Oct 30, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

In Wellington, try Pacific Island grocers, Asian supermarkets and weekend markets. Porirua and the Hutt Valley also have Pacific food stores.

Professional insight

Pacific cooks pick young, unbroken leaves. Big, torn or yellow leaves cook up tougher and itchier.

Choose firm, glossy leaves without slime on the stalks.
Ask which island the leaves came from.
Frozen packs keep for months for lu pulu or palusami.
Canned lu is cooked already, so prep time drops.

Check the label

Taro leaf or lu named, not taro root.
Fresh, frozen or canned form stated.
Country of origin, such as Fiji, Samoa or Tonga.
Packed on or best before date.
Frozen packs still hard, with no thaw and refreeze ice.
Cans free of dents, bulges or rust.
Added salt or coconut cream on the ingredients list.

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Taro leaf facts

Plant: Colocasia esculenta
NZ supply: Imported from the Pacific Islands
Irritant: Calcium oxalate crystals, removed by cooking

How to use it

1Wear kitchen gloves while handling fresh leaves.
2Trim the stalks and cut out thick veins.
3Wash the leaves well in cold water.
4Boil, drain, then boil again in fresh water.
5Cook until soft, then use in palusami or lu pulu.

Storage

Wrap fresh leaves in a damp towel and chill.
Use fresh leaves within two to three days.
Freeze extra leaves flat after blanching.
Keep unopened cans in a cool cupboard.

Safe use

Stop eating if your mouth or throat itches; leaves need more cooking.
Taste a small piece before serving guests.
People with kidney stones should ask a doctor about oxalate foods.
Only forage taro leaves if an expert has identified the plant.

Common questions

Is taro grown in New Zealand?: Not commercially. Supply comes from the Pacific Islands.
Why do taro leaves make my mouth itch?: They were undercooked. Oxalate crystals need long cooking.
Can I use spinach instead?: Yes, as a stand in. The taste and texture differ.
Are canned taro leaves cooked?: Usually yes. Check the label before eating.