Samoan cuisine is characterized by its reliance on fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Root vegetables like taro and breadfruit are staples, often cooked in an umu, a traditional earth oven. Coconut is a key ingredient, used in various forms such as coconut cream to enhance the flavor of dishes. Seafood, including fish and shellfish, is abundant and frequently featured in meals. Popular dishes include palusami, which consists of taro leaves baked in coconut cream, and oka, a raw fish salad marinated in citrus juice and coconut milk. The cuisine reflects the island's rich cultural heritage and connection to the land and sea.