Breadfruit

What Is Breadfruit?

Breadfruit is the large, round fruit of the breadfruit tree, which grows in tropical regions; it has rough, green skin. Its flesh is whitish-cream and starchy; it gets its name from its texture and aroma, which resemble bread when cooked.

It is a staple food in Caribbean, Pacific Island, and Southeast Asian cuisines. It is harvested before ripening and used as a starch source like potatoes; when fully ripe, it is used in sweeter dishes. It is not eaten raw; it is cooked.

Breadfruit Nutrition Facts

One hundred grams of breadfruit contains about 103 kcal of energy and is a filling food high in carbohydrates (starch) and fiber; it also contains potassium. Its sugar content increases as it ripens; values are approximate.

How Should Breadfruit Be Consumed?

Breadfruit can make up the carbohydrate portion of a meal as a starchy food; boiling, roasting over an open fire, or baking are lower-fat options than frying. It is not eaten raw and must be cooked.

This is general information; breadfruit is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Breadfruit

Choose it according to how you plan to use it: firm, green fruits are for starchy, savory dishes, while slightly soft, ripe fruits are for sweeter recipes. Avoid bruised, cracked, or bad-smelling fruit.

• Firm and green: for savory, starchy dishes.
• Slightly soft: for sweet recipes using ripe fruit.
• Avoid bruised or cracked fruit.

How to Store Breadfruit

Whole fruit keeps for a few days in a cool, airy place; since it softens quickly as it ripens, consume it in time. Cook cut fruit promptly to keep it from darkening; cooked breadfruit keeps for a few days in the refrigerator.

Using Breadfruit in the Kitchen

Breadfruit is used most often fried (as chips or slices), boiled, roasted over an open fire, baked, or mashed; it is also used in soups and side dishes. Firm and green, it is used like potatoes; when ripe, it works in sweeter dishes. In all cases, it is eaten cooked.

Why Is It Called Breadfruit?

It gets its name from its texture and aroma, which resemble fresh bread when cooked, especially when roasted over an open fire; its starchy nature makes it a filling staple food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can breadfruit be eaten raw?

It is not eaten raw because it is firm and starchy; it is cooked by boiling, frying, roasting over an open fire, or baking.

Is breadfruit the same as jackfruit?

They are related but not the same; both belong to the genus Artocarpus. Breadfruit is starchy and eaten cooked, while jackfruit is a sweet fruit when ripe.

Does breadfruit grow in Türkiye?

Since it is a tropical fruit, it is not commercially grown in Türkiye; it is generally available imported or processed (frozen or as chips).