Breadfruits are tropical fruits that are famous for their starchy, bread-like texture. In terms of spelling, the word "breadfruits" is pronounced as [bred.fruːts]. The first syllable "bred" is pronounced with a short "e" sound [ɛ], while the second syllable "fruits" ends with a long "ooh" sound [uː]. The word is spelled with the conventional English spelling of "bread" and "fruits", which refers to the fruit's resemblance to bread in texture and its status as a fruit.
Breadfruits refer to the large globular or oval-shaped fruits produced by the breadfruit tree, scientifically known as Artocarpus altilis. Native to the South Pacific and tropical regions, breadfruit trees belong to the mulberry family (Moraceae). These trees can grow up to 25 meters in height and have broad, glossy, and deeply lobed leaves.
The breadfruit fruit has a green or yellowish-green skin with a rough texture. It typically measures around 20-30 centimeters in diameter and weighs several kilograms. The flesh of the breadfruit is starchy, firm, and pale yellow or white in color when ripe. Remarkably, these fruiting trees have been regarded as a staple food source in many tropical regions due to their vast productivity and high carbohydrate content.
Breadfruits are renowned for their versatility in culinary applications. When cooked, the flesh has a similar texture to bread or potatoes, hence the fruit's name. It can be boiled, roasted, baked, fried, or grilled, and is commonly utilized in both savory and sweet dishes. The breadfruit's mild flavor makes it easily adaptable to various cuisines and it is often used as a substitute for potatoes, rice, or other starchy vegetables.
Furthermore, breadfruits are highly valued for their nutritional content. They are rich in dietary fiber, providing digestive benefits and aiding in regular bowel movement. Breadfruits are also an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and contain small amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
In addition to their edible and nutritional qualities, breadfruits have been utilized in various traditional and medicinal practices. Their sap can be used to make glue, while the latex from the tree has been employed as an adhesive and for caulking boats. The bark and leaves
The word "breadfruit" derives from the combination of two English words: "bread" and "fruit".
The term "bread" comes from the Old English word "brēad", which itself originated from the Proto-Germanic word "braudam". It refers to a staple food made by grinding cereal grains, typically wheat, and baking the resulting dough.
The word "fruit" traces back to the Old French word "fruit", which can be linked to the Latin word "fructus" meaning "enjoyment" or "profit". Originally, the term "fruit" referred to any product of plant growth, including vegetables, but it later became more specific to refer to the sweet and fleshy part of a plant that contains seeds.