Breadfruit: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:58, 11 December 2024

Tropical fruit used as a staple food in many cultures

Breadfruit on the tree

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a species of flowering tree in the mulberry and jackfruit family (Moraceae) believed to be a domesticated descendant of Artocarpus camansi originating in New Guinea, the Maluku Islands, and the Philippines. It is a staple food in many tropical regions.

Description[edit]

Breadfruit trees grow to a height of 21 meters (70 feet). The large, thick, dark green leaves are deeply cut into pinnate lobes. The trees produce a large, round, green fruit with a rough surface. The fruit is rich in starch and can be cooked and eaten at all stages of maturity.

History and Cultivation[edit]

Breadfruit has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was spread by Austronesian peoples throughout the Pacific Ocean, as shown in the

File:Chronological dispersal of Austronesian people across the Pacific.svg

Chronological dispersal of Austronesian people across the Pacific

.

The plant was introduced to the Caribbean in the late 18th century by Captain William Bligh, who transported it from Tahiti to the Caribbean on the HMS Bounty. Today, breadfruit is grown in over 90 countries.

Culinary Uses[edit]

Breadfruit is a versatile food that can be roasted, baked, fried, or boiled. It is often used in dishes similar to potatoes. In the Philippines, it is known as "kolo" and is often sliced and fried, as shown in

File:Kolo (breadfruit) slices, Philippines.jpg

Kolo (breadfruit) slices, Philippines

. In the Caribbean, breadfruit is commonly fried, as depicted in

File:Fried Bread Fruit.jpg

Fried breadfruit

. It is also used in soups and stews.

Nutritional Value[edit]

Breadfruit is a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It also contains vitamins such as vitamin C and minerals like potassium.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Breadfruit holds cultural significance in many Pacific Island communities. It is often associated with traditional ceremonies and is considered a symbol of abundance and fertility.

Also see[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Breadfruit ==
+{{Short description|Tropical fruit used as a staple food in many cultures}}
-[[File:Breadfruit.jpg|thumb|right|Breadfruit]]
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-'''Breadfruit''' (scientific name: ''Artocarpus altilis'') is a tropical fruit that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is widely cultivated in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Breadfruit has been a staple food in many tropical regions for centuries, and it offers various culinary and nutritional benefits. In this article, we will explore the history, characteristics, cultivation, culinary uses, and health benefits of breadfruit.
+[[File:Artocarpus altilis (fruit).jpg|thumb|Breadfruit on the tree]]
-=== History ===
+'''Breadfruit''' (''Artocarpus altilis'') is a species of flowering tree in the [[mulberry]] and [[jackfruit]] family (Moraceae) believed to be a domesticated descendant of ''Artocarpus camansi'' originating in New Guinea, the Maluku Islands, and the Philippines. It is a staple food in many tropical regions.
-'''1. Origin and Spread'''
+==Description==
-Breadfruit is believed to have originated in the South Pacific and was spread throughout the region by ancient Polynesian voyagers. It played a crucial role in their sustenance during long sea journeys and colonization. From there, it gradually spread to other tropical regions.
+Breadfruit trees grow to a height of 21 meters (70 feet). The large, thick, dark green leaves are deeply cut into pinnate lobes. The trees produce a large, round, green fruit with a rough surface. The fruit is rich in starch and can be cooked and eaten at all stages of maturity.
-'''2. Introduction to the Caribbean'''
+==History and Cultivation==
-Captain William Bligh introduced breadfruit to the Caribbean in the late 18th century. He brought breadfruit plants from Tahiti to Jamaica, intending to establish it as a cheap and abundant food source for enslaved individuals. Today, breadfruit is an integral part of Caribbean cuisine.
+Breadfruit has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was spread by [[Austronesian peoples]] throughout the Pacific Ocean, as shown in the [[File:Chronological dispersal of Austronesian people across the Pacific.svg|thumb|Chronological dispersal of Austronesian people across the Pacific]].
-=== Characteristics ===
+The plant was introduced to the Caribbean in the late 18th century by Captain William Bligh, who transported it from Tahiti to the Caribbean on the HMS Bounty. Today, breadfruit is grown in over 90 countries.
-'''1. Appearance'''
+==Culinary Uses==
-Breadfruit is a large fruit, typically weighing between 2 to 5 kilograms (4.4 to 11 pounds). It has a round or oblong shape with a green or yellowish skin that is covered in small hexagonal patterns. The flesh of the fruit is creamy white or yellow and has a starchy texture when cooked.
+Breadfruit is a versatile food that can be roasted, baked, fried, or boiled. It is often used in dishes similar to potatoes. In the Philippines, it is known as "kolo" and is often sliced and fried, as shown in [[File:Kolo (breadfruit) slices, Philippines.jpg|thumb|Kolo (breadfruit) slices, Philippines]].
-'''2. Nutritional Profile'''
+In the Caribbean, breadfruit is commonly fried, as depicted in [[File:Fried Bread Fruit.jpg|thumb|Fried breadfruit]]. It is also used in soups and stews.
-Breadfruit is a nutrient-dense fruit that provides several essential vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and various B vitamins. It also contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that contribute to its health benefits.
-=== Cultivation ===
+==Nutritional Value==
+Breadfruit is a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It also contains vitamins such as vitamin C and minerals like potassium.
-'''1. Growing Conditions'''
+==Cultural Significance==
-Breadfruit trees thrive in tropical climates with temperatures between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). They require well-drained soil and regular rainfall. Breadfruit trees can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or grafting onto suitable rootstock.
+Breadfruit holds cultural significance in many Pacific Island communities. It is often associated with traditional ceremonies and is considered a symbol of abundance and fertility.
-'''2. Harvesting and Preparation'''
+==Also see==
-Breadfruit is harvested when the fruits are fully mature but still firm. They are typically picked by hand or using long poles with hooks. The fruits can be consumed at different stages of ripeness, with green breadfruits being used for savory dishes and riper fruits for desserts.
+* [[Jackfruit]]
+* [[Mulberry]]
+* [[Austronesian peoples]]
+* [[Tropical agriculture]]
-=== Culinary Uses ===
+{{Commons category|Artocarpus altilis}}
+{{Wiktionary}}
-'''1. Traditional Dishes'''
+[[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
-Breadfruit is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of culinary preparations. In many tropical regions, it is commonly roasted, boiled, steamed, or fried. The starchy flesh can be mashed, made into soups, curries, or used as a filling in pies and pastries.
+[[Category:Moraceae]]
+[[Category:Staple foods]]
-'''2. Gluten-Free Alternative'''
-Breadfruit flour, made by drying and grinding the fruit, serves as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It can be used in baking bread, cakes, and other gluten-free products, offering a unique flavor and texture.
-=== Health Benefits ===
-'''1. Nutritional Value'''
-Breadfruit is a nutrient-rich fruit that contributes to a healthy diet. It is low in fat and cholesterol and contains essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. Its high fiber content promotes digestion and supports a healthy digestive system.
-'''2. Antioxidant Properties'''
-Breadfruit contains antioxidants, including vitamin C and various phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health.
-=== References ===
-<references>
-<ref>Wagner, W. L., & Lorence
-{{stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}