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Breadfruit – The Tropical Staple with Ancient Roots and Modern Relevance
Botanical Name: Artocarpus altilis
Common Names: Breadfruit, Ulu, 'Sukun' (Indonesia), 'Kulu' (India - North East)
Breadfruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus altilis, is more than just a tropical fruit—it is a heritage food and a symbol of abundance. Originally believed to have been domesticated from Artocarpus camansi, this fruit tree has long fed civilizations across the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia.
This member of the mulberry and jackfruit family is deeply interwoven with the history and sustenance of island cultures, especially in Polynesia and Melanesia. Its versatility, nutritional richness, and minimal maintenance make it a perfect fit for tropical home gardens.
New Guinea & the Philippines: Considered native zones where the fruit has been cultivated for centuries.
Hawaii & other Pacific Islands: Known as ‘Ulu’, an essential part of traditional feasts and community sharing.
Jamaica & the Caribbean: Regarded as a food security crop; part of everyday cuisine.
Across cultures, Breadfruit has been embraced as both staple food and traditional medicine.
The fruit is generally round or oval, ranging from green to greenish-brown as it ripens.
Its interior is creamy-white with a slightly fibrous texture.
When semi-ripe and cooked, it takes on a consistency like freshly baked bread and offers a mild, nutty, and potato-like flavor.
Culinary Uses:
Roasted, boiled, or steamed as a starchy side dish.
Thinly sliced and fried to make chips or fritters.
Fermented into traditional dishes in Polynesia.
The mature fruit is sometimes dried and ground into flour—an excellent gluten-free option.
The seeds, when roasted, offer a taste and texture reminiscent of chestnuts.
The wholesome nature of Breadfruit lies in its rich nutrient profile and medicinal properties:
Excellent Source of Complex Carbohydrates: Provides sustained energy, especially in humid climates.
High in Dietary Fiber: Supports smooth digestion and gut health.
Low Glycemic Index: Helps in blood sugar regulation, ideal for individuals managing diabetes.
Cardiovascular Support: Contains potassium, which helps maintain heart rhythm and healthy blood pressure.
Boosts Immunity: Rich in Vitamin C, which strengthens the body’s defense system.
Skin Wellness: Vitamins and antioxidants support skin regeneration and a youthful glow.
Anti-Cancer Properties: The presence of antioxidants helps in protecting cells from free radical damage.
High in starch and dietary fiber
Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins (especially thiamine)
Calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium
Low in fat and cholesterol-free
Gluten-free and naturally hypoallergenic
Its nutritious flour is increasingly gaining popularity as a functional food in health-conscious diets.
Breadfruit trees are ideal for tropical and subtropical landscapes. Once established, they require little to moderate care and continue to bear fruit for generations.
Fruiting Period: Generally starts within 2–3 years of planting under favorable conditions.
Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun exposure.
Watering Needs: Requires consistent moisture, especially in the early stages; once matured, it becomes drought-resistant.
Soil Type: Thrives in deep, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
Pruning: Occasional pruning helps manage tree size and improve airflow.
Fertilization: Organic compost or balanced fertilizer twice a year ensures healthy growth.
Its dense canopy and broad leaves also make it an excellent shade tree.
Fresh fruits can be stored at room temperature for a few days.
Cooked fruit can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Breadfruit flour offers a longer shelf life and can be used for months in baking and cooking.
In many cultures, sliced fruit is sun-dried or fermented in underground pits for long-term use.
Breadfruit has spiritual and communal significance in many traditional societies. In Polynesia, the planting of a Breadfruit tree was an act of providing for future generations. It symbolized resilience and was often passed down as a living legacy.
In the Caribbean, Breadfruit is cooked in a variety of traditional dishes, and its presence marks hospitality and abundance. In India’s northeastern states, it is steamed and seasoned in tribal cuisines and used as both a meal and medicine.
A single tree yields an abundant supply of fruit that can replace grains in your diet.
Breadfruit flour offers a sustainable, gluten-free alternative to wheat.
The tree itself adds beauty and structure to your landscape.
It is both a culinary asset and a survival plant—ideal for food security.
It connects you to a centuries-old tradition of natural living and eating with purpose.
At Veliyath Gardens, we recognize the value of introducing plants that are not only beautiful but meaningful. Our Breadfruit plants are cultivated with utmost care, ensuring healthy root systems and strong stems. Each sapling holds the potential to become a legacy tree—one that will nourish your family for years.
By planting Breadfruit in your garden, you embrace a future rooted in health, history, and sustainability. Let your garden tell a story. Start with a tree that has already fed nations.
