Who says food breadfruit was villagers, while in Europe, it was famous as breadfruit. Now experts even believe it was a 'wonder food'. Known by its Latin name, Artocarpus altilis, breadfruit has a soft greenish fruit that has no seeds, with texture similar to a potato. It can be used as a main meal or snack. In the past, breadfruit used as Jamaican staple food. Now experts believe that the fruit can bring food security back on the island - which imports more than half its food.
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| Wonderfood? Breadfruit - Artocarpus altilis - has lumpy green flesh and a potato-like texture so that it can be served as part of a main meal or turned into sweets. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/1z6wJoX) |
As reported in the New Scientist pages, that breadfruit is widely consumed in the Pacific Islands. And more breadfruit produced in one hectare, rather than rice, wheat, or corn. Only with a breadfruit that has a weighs about 3 kg, is quite provide carbohydrates and food for a family of 5 people.
Breadfruit is also ground into flour which is used in sweet or salty snacks, including pancakes and chips. The fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as a source of carbohydrates and gluten free protein. The amino acids protein that contains in its fruit is more than soy.
Diane Ragone of Hawaii's National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) have studied the breadfruit plants since the 1980s - when people judge the fruit is bland and starchy. During this time she has researched hundreds of varieties in 34 countries.
With Nyree Zerega of Northwestern University, Chicago, Dr. Ragone trace the origins of the fruit using DNA analysis. Most fruits have been checked, including fingerprints called kluwih plants that grow in New Guinea. Kluwih is regarded as the ancestor of the breadfruit.
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| The starchy fruit can be ground into flour and used in sweet and savoury dishes, including pancakes and crisps. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/1z6wJoX) |
Scientists discovered that the breadfruit ancestors are kluwih that growing in New Guinea. Another version mentions, breadfruit estimated from the Nusantara Archipelago to Papua. Following the migration of Austronesian tribes about 2000 years before Christ, the plant is then also spread to the islands of the Pacific.
It is estimated that during the spice trade at the end of the Majapahit era, breadfruit spread to Java from the Moluccas. Due to the influence of colonization of European nations, the breadfruit and then spread to the west between 1750 to 1800 to Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and in 1899 arrived in Africa. Now the breadfruit has become widespread in many parts of the world, especially in tropical regions.
In 2003, Dr. Ragone establish the NTBG, an institute which is study the breadfruit intensively, which includes an orchard on the Maui island. The scientists are also working with the charity foundation, the Alliance to End Hunger which aims to distribute breadfruit to the corners of the earth that is not endowed with sufficient food supply.
"The tradition in Polynesia, someone will plant breadfruit when his son was born. To ensure the boy gets food all his life," said Dr. Ragone, as quoted by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Breadfruit trees require little maintenance and thrive in the tropics.
Now, experts are investigating the varieties which best suit the particular environment and climate - as well as local tastes - in countries lacking food security. They also identify fruit varieties which produce the best results and high protein content.
So far 35,000 trees have been sent to 26 countries, including Jamaica and Haiti. The scientists also hope someday there will be a breadfruit plantations in the Caribbean. That means there will be no hunger. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEW SCIENTIST | DAILY MAIL]
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