Breadfruit, a member of the Moraceae family and Artocarpus genus, is a flowering tree cultivated extensively in tropical countries. It exhibits a strong correlation with other tropical fruits, including jackfruit, breadnut, figs, and mulberries. The scientific name of the fruit, Artocarpus altilis, is derived from the Greek words "artos" meaning bread and "karpos" meaning fruit. Additionally, "altilis" signifies fat. The fruit is indigenous to the tropical rainforest areas of New Guinea, the Maluku Islands, the Philippines, and the Caribbean Islands. Currently, it is extensively cultivated over South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean, Central America, and Africa.
There are two prevalent types of breadfruit: seeded and seedless. These trees may grow up to a height of 26 metres and are monoecious, meaning they have both male and female blooms on the same tree.
The fruit has a non-splitting spherical, oval, or cylindrical shape that is green while young and becomes yellowish-brown when fully ripe. The fruit possesses a coarse to prickly exterior that surrounds a creamy white to pale yellow inside with a delightful aroma and subtly sweet flavour. When the fruit is cooked, its texture and aroma closely like those of freshly baked bread, with a taste reminiscent of potatoes.
A single fruit typically weighs between 1-5 kg and is rich in nutrients. It is commonly consumed as a starchy staple meal in various tropical regions. Due to the abundant harvest of breadfruit during specific seasons, it has been a customary practise to preserve the fruits by burying them after peeling and washing in a pit lined with leaves. Over the course of several weeks, the fruits undergo fermentation, resulting in the formation of a sour and sticky paste. The process of fermenting breadfruit mash is referred to as mahr, ma, masi, furo, and bwiru.
Breadfruit is referred to by various vernacular names, including Bakri Chajhar in Hindi, Seema Panasa in Telugu, Nirphanas in Marathi, Irppla in Tamil, Kada Chakka in Malayalam, and Gujjekai in Kannada. The term used in Ghana is Alugunto-Gui.
Uses Of Breadfruit
Breadfruit is a highly adaptable fruit that can be enjoyed at any point during its growth and ripening process. Optimal ripeness of the fruit is highly preferred for creating various delights due to its starchy consistency. Fully matured ones are prepared by steaming, boiling, frying, or baking, and are used in a diverse range of dishes such as casseroles, fritters, pancakes, bread, curries, stews, and salads, among others. Additionally, it can be transformed into nutritious dips such as hummus or vegetarian pate. Mature fruits are tender, velvety, and sugary, and are utilised in the preparation of beverages, pastries, confections, and other saccharine delicacies. Moreover, uncooked ones are cut into thin pieces, dehydrated, and pulverised into a gluten-free flour, which acts as a substitute for individuals suffering from celiac disease.
Nutritional Content
Breadfruit possesses a remarkably high nutritional content, which imparts a wide range of medicinal and therapeutic benefits. This food is rich in dietary fibre and proteins, which contain important amino acids that are beneficial for managing diabetes, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving the health of the skin and hair. In addition to these nutrients, it is also enriched in vitamin C, B1, B5, as well as the minerals potassium and copper, which aid in strengthening the immune system and preventing infections.
Health Benefits
Enhance Cardiovascular Well-being
Breadfruit, which is naturally high in potassium, aids in the dilation of blood vessels and arteries, hence regulating blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, it facilitates the conduction of electrical charges that govern the contraction of muscles in the skeletal system, including the heart. In addition, being a rich source of dietary fibre helps reduce cholesterol levels and increase levels of beneficial cholesterol (HDL) in the body.
Controls diabetes
Breadfruit is an excellent vegetable choice for diabetics due to its ability to prevent a sudden increase in blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. Dietary fibre and protein in food slow down stomach emptying, leading to increased satiety, reduced calorie intake, decreased glucose absorption, and a lower risk of developing diabetes.
Enhances the process of digestion
The high fibre content in breadfruit aids in the elimination of toxins from the intestines and promotes regular bowel movements and functions. By enhancing the gut microbiota and nourishing beneficial bacteria, it effectively mitigates gastrointestinal problems such as acidity, ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, and gastritis. In addition, breadfruit protects the mucous barrier of the colon by preventing the entry of cancer-causing toxic substances.
Enhances Skin Well-being
Breadfruit's abundance of nutrients contributes to a radiant and rejuvenated complexion. Breadfruit, rich in vitamin C, stimulates collagen synthesis, improving skin suppleness, tone, and the regeneration of new skin cells. Additionally, it has the capacity to hinder the pro-inflammatory actions of enzymes and decrease the likelihood of skin inflammation, rashes, and infections.
Enhances the body's immune system
Breadfruit, rich in vitamin C, contains powerful antioxidants that combat infection-causing viruses and germs, stimulating the body's immune system. Additionally, it scavenges the body of harmful free radicals and reduces the likelihood of developing chronic diseases.
Overall, breadfruit is a remarkable fruit that offers a myriad of health benefits due to its nutrient-rich composition. From promoting heart health to aiding digestion and supporting the immune system, the nutritional profile of breadfruit makes it a valuable addition to a balanced and healthy diet. As we celebrate the versatility and nutritional bounty of breadfruit on its own, it is essential to acknowledge its potential to contribute positively to global food security and sustainable agriculture. Incorporating this tropical gem into our diets can undoubtedly enhance our overall well-being and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
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