BREAD FRUIT

🌳 Breadfruit

(Also known as Artocarpus altilis, “Del” in Sinhala)
A starchy tropical fruit often used like a vegetable when green and firm — known for its potato-like texture and bread-like softness when cooked.

✅ Nutritional Benefits:

• High in complex carbohydrates: Provides long-lasting energy

• Rich in fiber: Supports healthy digestion and helps lower cholesterol

• Good source of Vitamin C & B-complex vitamins: Boosts immunity and supports energy metabolism

• Contains potassium and magnesium: Promotes heart and muscle health

• Low in fat and naturally gluten-free: Ideal for gluten-sensitive or health-conscious diets

• Plant-based & filling: Great meat or carb alternative in vegetarian meals

🍽️ Culinary Uses (Traditional & Global):

Breadfruit is incredibly versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes when raw or ripe.

• In Sri Lanka, it is commonly used in breadfruit curry with coconut milk, or deep-fried and served with chili salt.

• In Pacific Islands & Caribbean, it’s roasted or boiled and served as a staple starch, often replacing rice or potatoes.

• In Southeast Asia, it is battered and fried as a street food or snack.

• In Western wellness recipes, breadfruit is mashed like potatoes or turned into gluten-free flour for baking.

• Ripe breadfruit can be used in desserts like puddings and fritters.

🍲 Popular Dishes You Can Make:

• Breadfruit Curry – A creamy coconut milk curry with turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves

• Fried Breadfruit Chips – Crispy snack or side dish

• Mashed Breadfruit – A soft, savory side similar to mashed potatoes

• Roasted Breadfruit – Whole-roasted or sliced and baked until golden

• Breadfruit Cutlets or Patties – Mashed, spiced, and shallow-fried

• Breadfruit & Dhal Curry – A hearty plant-based meal with protein and starch

• Breadfruit Soup – Blended into a creamy, comforting soup

• Breadfruit Porridge – Made with ripe breadfruit, coconut milk, and jaggery

📦 Extra Notes:

• Preparation Tip: Peel the skin, remove the core, and cut into chunks before cooking

• Storage: Keep whole fruit at room temperature; once cut, refrigerate and use within 2–3 days

• Flavor & Texture: Mild taste with soft, potato-like texture when cooked; becomes sweeter and more bread-like when ripe

• Pairs Well With: Coconut, curry powder, chili, garlic, onions, lentils, jaggery (if ripe)