Why breadfruit belongs in your pantry at all times

As people look products to introduce to their culinary repertoire, breadfruit offers multi-use option for people across the globe.  A fruit that can join many menus, it can offer many dish options that can fill the picnic table, grill, dessert trays, and many more places.

Once only known in its native tropical climate, breadfruit could become an important part of many people’s culinary repertoire as it can be used nearly all year in various conditions as an alternative or addition to many proteins, starches, and desserts.  Breadfruit has been cultivated in various countries.

A native plant that has flourished in the tropical areas of Hawaii and similar islands for centuries.  It can be harvested throughout the year, changing flavor and use as the seasons change.  For example, by letting it ripen into softness, it becomes a dessert ingredient that can be used in cakes or pies yet picking it during maturity yields a protein and vitamin rich alternative to potatoes. It can have a similar texture which allows it to be an excellent more nutritionally balanced alternative, like a vegetable chip.

Due to its uses, breadfruit could be a viable food option regardless of what season it is harvested in.  A protein-rich gluten-free option, it can be used by people gluten intolerance or vegetarian or vegan preferences.

Groups such as The National Tropical Botanical Garden have promoted the cultivation of breadfruit for the last several years while also providing recipes that highlight the multitude of culinary uses it has.  Among the recipes are several utilizing breadfruit flour in baking.  As many gluten-free flour alternatives are nut based, people who are gluten-intolerant yet who also have nut allergies are limited.

Breadfruit cannot be grown everywhere nor is it a food that can be lived on by itself, it can be useful in the kitchen. It might be time for people cut into the fruit and discover its uses.