Breadfruit

What Is Breadfruit?

Breadfruit is the large, round, green-bumpy-skinned fruit of the breadfruit tree that grows in tropical regions. Its inside is whitish-cream and starchy; it gets its name from the bread-like texture and smell it takes on when cooked.

It is a staple food of Caribbean, Pacific island, and Southeast Asian cuisines. It is harvested unripe and used as a starch source like potatoes; once fully ripe, it's used in sweeter recipes. It is not eaten raw and is cooked.

Nutritional Values of Breadfruit

Breadfruit is a filling food, providing around 103 kcal per 100 g with high carbohydrate (starch) and fiber content; it also carries potassium. Its sugar content increases with ripeness; values are approximate.

How Should Breadfruit Be Consumed?

As a starch-source food, breadfruit can form the carbohydrate portion of a meal; boiling, charring, or baking instead of frying are lower-fat options. It is not eaten raw and must always be cooked.

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

How Is Breadfruit Chosen?

It is chosen based on intended use: firm-green ones for starchy-savory dishes, and slightly softened-ripe ones for sweeter recipes. Bruised, cracked, or bad-smelling fruit should be avoided.

• Firm-green: for savory-starchy recipes
• Slightly soft: for sweet-ripe recipes
• Bruised-cracked fruit should not be bought

How Is Breadfruit Stored?

The whole fruit keeps for a few days in a cool, airy place; it should be eaten in time since it softens quickly as it ripens. A cut fruit should be cooked quickly to prevent browning; the cooked form keeps in the fridge for a few days.

Using Breadfruit in the Kitchen

Breadfruit is used most fried (chips-slices), boiled, charred, baked, and mashed; it is also used in soups and garnishes. Firm-green it gives a potato-like result, ripe it gives sweeter recipes; in all cases it is eaten cooked.

Why Is It Called Breadfruit?

It gets its name from the bread-like texture and smell it takes on when cooked (especially when charred); its starchy composition makes it a filling staple food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is breadfruit eaten raw?

Its raw form is firm and starchy, so it isn't eaten raw; it is consumed cooked, through methods like boiling, frying, charring, or baking.

Are breadfruit and jackfruit the same?

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

Does breadfruit grow in Turkey?

As a tropical-climate fruit it is not commercially grown in Turkey; it is generally found imported or processed (frozen, chips).