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Breadfruit, a starchy tropical fruit from the jackfruit family, is a Jamaican staple known for its versatility in both roast and fried dishes. This savoury Caribbean favourite transforms into a tender, flavourful side whether baked to perfection or crisped in a hot skillet.
Looking for more Jamaican side dish recipes? Then you have to try my tasty Jamaican Bammy, slightly sweet Hard Dough (Hardo) Bread, and this healthy Jamaican Steamed Cabbage or Jamaican Callaloo recipe.
Table of Contents
- Roast Breadfruit
- Here’s Why You’ll Love this Jamaican Breadfruit Recipe
- What is Breadfruit?
- History
- What Does Breadfruit Taste Like?
- Breadfruit Benefits
- Ingredients
- How to Roast Breadfruit In the Oven
- Recipe Tips
- How to Eat Breadfruit
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Interested in More Jamaican Side Dish Recipes? Check These Out!
- Roast Breadfruit Recipe
Roast Breadfruit
Although there are many ways to cook breadfruit, roasting is my preferred method because it yields a slightly smoky flavour. As it roasts, your kitchen will be filled with the warm and inviting smell of freshly baked bread, hence the name.
With this recipe, you will learn the history of this unique fruit, how to prepare it, and more! I even added an optional final step that includes frying the fruit. This tasty (although totally not necessary) variation is perfect for a healthier alternative to french fries (in my opinon). Either way, you are going to love this roasted breadfruit recipe!
Here’s Why You’ll Love this Jamaican Breadfruit Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple and straightforward instructions, it’s pretty hard to mess up this recipe. It just takes a little patience.
- A Healthy Treat: The fruit is rich in complex carbs and low in fat. It is also naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- So Versatile: Enjoy it roasted, fried, boiled, stuffed, mashed, or ground into flour. Eat it as a potato substitute, a healthy alternative to bread or transform it into a dessert. The possibilities are endless!
What is Breadfruit?
The breadfruit plant is a tropical fruit that flowers every 90 days. It is similar to jackfruit. Find breadfruit trees in tropical regions like the Caribbean islands, Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific islands. The fruit is rich in starch and has an oval shape with lumpy skin.
History
Breadfruit is native to the South Pacific but was introduced to the Caribbean islands during the 18th century by an English lieutenant named William Bligh. The fruit was intended to feed people who were enslaved because it was cheap and plentiful.
It is traditionally prepared on an open coal or wood fire, but this version is the foolproof and effortless method, using an oven.
What Does Breadfruit Taste Like?
Roasted breadfruit tastes like nothing you’ve probably ever had it has a mild and starchy yet deliciously pleasing taste. The riper the fruit, the sweeter it tastes. So it can vary from tasting like bread-like to a buttery dense white sweet potato. The exact flavour depends on how ripe the fruit is and how it is prepared.
Breadfruit Benefits
- It is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for most people, regardless of diet.
- It contains complex carbs such as fiber, making it comparable to rice, potatoes, and bread as far as nutritional value.
- The fruit contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Blood glucose levels don’t spike after eating it so it’s great for people with diabetes.
- It contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorous and manganese, which support bone health.
Ingredients
- Mature Breadfruit: This is when the fruit reaches its peak flavour.
- Salt: This is an optional ingredient that enhances the taste.
How to Roast Breadfruit In the Oven
Roast Breadfruit
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Then thoroughly wash and dry the breadfruit. Score an “X” along the base of the breadfruit using a knife (this will allow the steam to escape as the breadfruit cooks). If yours comes with a stem, use a knife to cut around the stem and discard it.
Place it in the oven on the center rack and bake for at least 2 hours – the cooking time will vary depending on the size and maturity. Optional: wrap the breadfruit in aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
Once cooked (see notes below for signs of doneness) remove breadfruit from the oven using oven mitts, and allow it to cool enough so you can handle it. Then peel the breadfruit (discard skin), cut in half lengthwise, remove the heart/core, then cut into slices, sprinkle with salt and serve while hot.
Fried Breadfruit (Optional Step)
Add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium. Working in batches, add the roasted breadfruit slices and fry until they are golden brown (approx. 2-3 minutes per side). Remove, drain excess oil, and serve while hot.
Recipe Tips
- Choose a mature breadfruit with a yellow-tinted green color and firm texture for roasting or frying.
- Unripe breadfruit is best boiled, while overripe breadfruit works well in smoothies or baked goods.
- Roast breadfruit within 1-2 days of purchase to avoid overripening, as raw unripened breadfruit is inedible.
- To slow ripening, refrigerate the breadfruit for a day. The skin may brown, but the fruit will stay firm.
- Extend shelf life by up to 2 days by keeping the breadfruit damp with a wet paper towel or submerging it in cool water.
- Boil breadfruit for a mashed potato-like side or try grilling or steaming for a different flavour.
How to Eat Breadfruit
- Roast breadfruit with Ackee and Saltfish: This is my favourite way to enjoy roast breadfruit. Eat it at breakfast time.
- Callaloo: For a filling vegan or vegetarian meal, serve it with a steamed veggie like Jamaican callaloo.
- Savoury stew: Instead of roasting the fruit, simmer it in a rich broth.
- Brown Stew Chicken or Brown Stew Fish: Eat it as a side dish to either of these saucy, savoury entrees.
Storage
Freeze completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Flash freeze it first in order to prevent freezer burn.
Allow frozen breadfruit to thaw overnight in the fridge. Then use it however you see fit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you are in the United States or Canada, find breadfruit at your local Caribbean market or Asian grocery store.
Roast breadfruit in the oven for at least 2 hours. You will know it’s done when steam is coming out of both ends and it gives as you squeeze it. You can also do the knife test by gently inserting a knife where you scored the fruit. If it comes out easily, it is done!
If your fruit is dark green and unripe, it’s better to boil it rather than roast it. Boiling will soften it, making it great for mashing or as a side dish.
Interested in More Jamaican Side Dish Recipes? Check These Out!
- Coco Bread
- Jamaican Festival Recipe
- Easy Jamaican Pigeon “Gungo” Peas and Rice
- How to Soak Fruit for Christmas Cake
- Jamaican Callaloo
- Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Green Banana Boiled Dumpling
- Boiled Green Banana
- Jamaican Hard Dough (Hardo) Bread
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Roast Breadfruit
Equipment
- Knife
- Large Pan optional, for frying
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds Mature Breadfruit
- Salt, optional
Instructions
Roast Breadfruit
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Then thoroughly wash and dry the breadfruit. Score a " X " along the base of the breadfruit using a knife (this will allow the steam to escape as the breadfruit cooks). If your breadfruit comes with a stem, use a knife to cut around the stem and discard.
- Place breadfruit in the oven on the center rack and bake for at least 2 hours – the cooking time will vary depending on the size and maturity. Optional: wrap the breadfruit in aluminum foil before placing in oven.
- Once cooked (see notes below for signs of doneness) remove breadfruit from oven using oven mitts, and allow to cool enough where you can handle. Peel breadfruit (discard skin), cut in half lengthwise, remove the heart/core, then cut into slices, sprinkle with salt and serve while hot.
Fried Breadfruit
- Add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium. Working in batches, add the roasted breadfruit slices and fry until they are golden brown (approx. 2-3 minutes per side). Remove, drain excess oil and serve while hot.
Video
Notes
- Breadfruit should be soft and easy to pierce with a knife, fork or skewer.
- Steam coming out of both ends.
- The breadfruit bounces back when squeezed.
- Has a smooth brown colour.
- The ” X ” opening at the bottom of the breadfruit has opened up.
It’s good to know that we can eat breadfruit as an alternative to rice, potatoes, or bread since they have the nutritional value that we need by being gluten-free and containing complex carbs like fiber. My mom sent me a lot of breadfruit last week, so I wanted to know how I can add it to my meal plans next week. I’ll keep this in mind while I look up breadfruit recipes I might try out soon.
It’s a great alternative to traditional side dishes like rice, potatoes and pasta! It’s a great option so definitely keep in mind!! Thanks for the comment!!