Breadfruit. general description

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:46

Breadfruit belongs to the mulberry family. You can meet him in tropical countries, mainly on the islands.

It is a large tree, reaching 30 meters in height. There are about 40 types of it. Depending on weather conditions, breadfruit can be deciduous or evergreen. Outwardly, it looks a bit like oak. Begins to bear fruit at 4-5 years.

The tree has smooth gray bark. Its branches are striking in their diversity. Some may be thick and have leaves along their entire length, while others may be thin, with a little greenery only at the ends.

Also, the plant has very unusual large and thick leaves. They can be of different shapes (solid or dissected) even on the same tree branch.

The flowers of the plant are small, inconspicuous and green. They can be male and female. The former are elongated and bloom earlier. Female - with a larger inflorescence, resembling a mace in shape.

The fruits of the breadfruit are of particular value, which are a constant and staple food for residents of tropical regions. They are large, oval-shaped fruits. Mature fruits are yellow as well as yellow-brown and reach a weight of3-4 kilograms. Inside, depending on the species, there are (or may be absent) seeds that are also eaten.

Few trees and shrubs can match this bountiful fruit-bearing plant. In just one season, it can produce up to 200 fruits.

Ripe fruits are eaten fried, boiled or baked. To taste, they are somewhat reminiscent of bread and potatoes at the same time. The seeds of the plant are also roasted and eaten.

Because many fruits ripen at the same time, the locals have come up with their own way of storing them. To do this, they dig a hole, line the bottom with breadfruit leaves and put peeled and washed fruits into it. They ferment for several weeks before using them, although in this state the fruits remain edible after a year or more.

Coconut oil is added to the resulting mass and cakes are baked. They taste like regular bread. Tourists usually get used to it quickly. Also, the fruits can be used as one of the ingredients of a local dish.

Breadfruit has a high fiber content. Eating its fruits lowers cholesterol, reduces the risk of certain heart diseases. The plant normalizes the work of the intestines, cleansing it of toxins.

Breadfruit also contains fatty acids that regulate metabolism, promote bone growth, and affect hair and skin.

The plant is known not only for its fruits. Its woodis also very much appreciated. It is light, strong and resistant to worms, insects and various fungi that can cause damage. Breadfruit wood is used in the construction of dwellings, musical instruments and boats.

And the fibers of young plants of some species are used to make paper, clothing, fishing tackle and rope.

Breadfruit, a photo of which can be found on the Internet, has analogues for growing at home. But such a plant will not bear fruit, it is used as an ordinary flower.