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breadfruit

Scientific Name: Artocarpus altilis

Family: Moraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       
Breadfruit: A Tropical Wonder Food

The breadfruit, with its intriguing name and unique flavor profile, is gaining recognition as a versatile and nutritious food source. From its origins in the Pacific to its potential for addressing global food security, this starchy fruit offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of botany and sustainable agriculture.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that breadfruit trees have milky latex.
  • Breadfruit are known for large-sized fruits (prickly football-size pod), so uneaten parts could present a choking hazard if consumed by pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that breadfruit trees have milky latex.
  • Breadfruit are known for large-sized fruits (prickly football-size pod), so uneaten parts could present a choking hazard if consumed by children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Artocarpus altilis
  • Common Names: Breadfruit, Ulu (in Samoa, American Samoa, and Hawaii), Breadnut (for seeded varieties)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Moraceae (fig family)
  • Etymology: The scientific name Artocarpus is derived from the Greek words "artos" (bread) and "karpos" (fruit), while "altilis" means "fat."

Distribution and Habitat

  • Indigenous to the Malay Archipelago.
  • Now found throughout the tropics.
  • Common in Samoa and American Samoa.
  • Traditionally grown throughout the Hawaiian archipelago.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A fast-growing tree reaching 8 to 26 meters (approximately 26 to 85 feet) in height.
  • Often has a clear trunk up to 6 meters (20 feet).
  • Branches can span a similar size diagonally to the height of the tree.
  • Large (20-90 cm long), dark green, lobed, and leathery leaves.
  • The fruit is large (football-sized), prickly, and oval in shape.
  • Mature fruits are green but turn more yellow when ripe.
  • Ripe fruit has a sweet, musky, custard-like flavor.

Uses and Culinary Information

  • Fruits are very rich in starch, which transforms to sugars when very ripe.
  • Before being eaten, the fruits are roasted, baked, fried, or boiled.
  • When cooked, the taste of moderately ripe breadfruit is described as potato-like, or similar to freshly baked bread.
  • Can be cooked and eaten at all stages of development.
  • Typically consumed when mature, but still firm.
  • Used as a substitute for any starchy vegetable.

Quirky Facts

  • Breadfruit is associated with slavery, which has contributed to it being shunned in some regions.
  • Captain Bligh of the HMS Bounty was transporting breadfruit when the infamous mutiny occurred.

Additional Information

  • The Breadfruit Institute holds a collection of over 120 varieties.
  • The National Tropical Botanical Garden is dedicated to preserving tropical plant diversity.
  • The Breadfruit Institute uses GIS to analyze climate data and map suitable locations for growing breadfruit.
  • The University of the West Indies hosts the International Breadfruit Conference.