Breadfruit
Breadfruit is a tropical tree species, *Artocarpus altilis*, in the mulberry family (Moraceae).
Breadfruit is a tropical tree species *Artocarpus altilis* in the mulberry family. It produces large starchy fruits that are a staple food in many tropical regions.
What it is
Breadfruit (*Artocarpus altilis*) is a large tropical tree with broad leaves and round to oval green fruits. The fruit has starchy flesh with a bread-like flavour when cooked. It belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae), which also includes jackfruit.
Why it matters
Breadfruit is an important staple crop in the South Pacific and other tropical regions. It is widely cultivated for food, shade, and agroforestry. The tree's resilience makes it valuable for food security in island agriculture and beyond.
Key details
Native to the Pacific and tropical Asia, breadfruit is now grown throughout the humid tropics. The fruit is edible only when cooked and is prepared in many ways. In Canada, breadfruit is not native but appears in tropical horticulture and food culture discussions.
In short
- Belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae).
- Starchy fruit must be cooked before eating.
- Key staple crop in the South Pacific.
- Also used for shade and agroforestry.
Breadfruit is not native to Canada, but it is of interest to Canadian readers through tropical horticulture, food culture, and agricultural research on resilient staple crops.
Quick questions
What is breadfruit?
What family does breadfruit belong to?
Where is breadfruit native to?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BreadfruitSupports: Scientific name, family, and general description.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/breadfruitSupports: Breadfruit as a tree and staple food in tropical regions.
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point — https://www.uwsp.edu/sbcb/tropical-conservatory/breadfruit-2/Supports: Origin in Malaya and widespread tropical cultivation.
- New York Botanical Garden — https://www.nybg.org/around-the-table/breadfruit/Supports: Native range, nutritional and food-security importance, and broad tropical cultivation.
- Oregon State University — https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/artocarpus-altilisSupports: Cultivation spread, tropical growth habit, and family placement.
- University of Hawaiʻi CTAHR — https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/breadfruit.pdfSupports: Tree description and botanical characteristics.
- National Tropical Botanical Garden — https://ntbg.org/breadfruit/about-breadfruit/species/Supports: Breadfruit as a staple crop and traditional agroforestry plant.