You may have noticed the rise of noni juice (or nono juice) in natural health shops. The South Pacific juice has become a worldwide, health-supplement superstar - and is generally sold at astronomical retail prices.
When travelling around the Cooks you'll spot noni juice being touted everywhere.
The distinctive, white, spotted fruit
grows wild all over the Cook Islands, and has been consumed as a general cure-all and herbal remedy for centuries. I spoke to several Cook Islanders who religiously take a dose of the juice as part of their daily routine.
In addition to being used to ward off ill-health, many local folk use the fruit to treat cuts, bites and skin complaints.
I would be lying if I said that I think noni juice is thirst-quenching, or even mildly pleasant.
The jet-black juice is pungent, grasping and pinches the back of your throat.
But most Cook Islanders are adamant that anything that tastes as bad as noni juice must be good for you.
Since returning home, a quick search on Google has taken me to various internet sites that would suggest scientific research concludes that noni juice is beneficial to your immune system.
But if you wince at the price of this tropical juice from your local natural health store - stock up in the Cook Islands.
Most of Rarotonga's supermarkets and corner stores sell big bottles of the juice at a fraction of New Zealand prices.
