Preparing roast breadfruit in an oven is such an easy and convenient way of enjoying breadfruit. Contrast to how I grew up preparing roast breadfruit from as far back as I can remember.
Before scrolling to see the recipe card at the end for the full list of ingredients, make sure to check the important information included in the blurb.
We mostly prepared it on homemade coal stoves or open fires and we had and still have one of the most delicious breadfruit trees in Jamaica.
Recently we went to visit Jamaica and my stepmother prepared roast breadfruit from the very same tree that I grew up with. It brought back memories of my childhood.
Spending long summers, ‘rowing boats’ is the term meaning we would come together as neighborhood friends and cook, roasting breadfruit, picking and preparing Ackee, and drinking homemade lime aid or ‘beverage’.
What is Breadfruit?
Breadfruit is a tropical fruit that is a member of the fig family. Many regions of the world, including the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, Africa, and Southeast Asia, grow it.
Now a staple of Jamaican cuisine.
The fruit is large and has rough, green skin with a starchy, creamy white interior that is rich in nutrients. When cooked, breadfruit has a potato-like texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. People can boil, roast, fry, or bake breadfruit, which is a versatile fruit used in a variety of dishes like stews, curries, and desserts. It is also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
It was first brought to the Caribbean Islands including Jamaica by Lieutenant William Bligh in the 18th Century to feed slaves. One can prepare breadfruit by boiling, frying, or making it into flour, or chips.
Where To Buy Breadfruit?
Caribbean and Latino supermarkets in the USA sell bread. A mature fruit is the best tasting, choose one that is greenish-yellow but firm to the touch and not soft.
What Does Breadfruit Taste Like And How To Cook Breadfruit?
Boil and mash green breadfruit to taste like boiled potatoes, and add it to soups, stews, and curries, or substitute it for potatoes in recipes.
The fully mature breadfruit when roasted has a sweeter taste and reminds me of eating a thick slice of bread.
One can make desserts and smoothies using ripened breadfruit.
Breadfruit Nutrition
High in complex carbohydrates and low in fat and cholesterol, to read more go here.
How To Roast Breadfruit
There are 2 methods to roast breadfruit Jamaican style
- Breadfruit roasted over an open flame/fire whether it be on a stovetop, coal fire, or wood fire. I’m going to share how to do it on the stovetop.
- Breadfruit roasted in an oven.
How to prepare breadfruit for roasting?
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When choosing a breadfruit for roasting, it is important to select a fruit that is ripe but not overly ripe. A slightly ripened breadfruit is the ideal choice for roasting because it will be easier to work with and will have a better texture and flavor.
Pressing the skin of a fully ripened breadfruit will result in a mushy texture that is difficult to handle and less desirable when roasted. On the other hand, if the breadfruit is not ripe enough, it will be hard and difficult to cut and may not cook evenly when roasted.
When selecting a breadfruit, it is important to examine the skin for any cracks, bruises, or soft spots. These indicators can suggest that the fruit is damaged or overripe and that the quality and taste of the roasted breadfruit may be affected.
A ripe breadfruit should also be slightly soft to the touch, but not too soft or mushy. A sweet smell is a sign that the fruit is fully developed and ready to be roasted.
By selecting a slightly ripened breadfruit that is free of any defects and has a pleasant aroma, you can ensure that your roasted breadfruit will have a delicious flavor and perfect texture.
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Wash the breadfruit thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully pierce the skin of the breadfruit to allow steam to escape during roasting.
Method 1 Stove Top
- Choose breadfruit that is fully mature (picture of breadfruit below), using a knife cut around the stem and about 1 inch deep, and discard.
- Cut an X along the base of the fruit, this will allow the gas to escape as the breadfruit cooks.
- Place breadfruit on the stove with the part where the stem was directly over the stove turned on medium-high. Cook until breadfruit starts to char, about 20-30 minutes.
- Using a pair of oven mittens turn to the side and cook until charred, continue rotating the breadfruit until the entire breadfruit is black and when the skin is pressed there is a give and a softened feel.
- Turn off the stove and remove it from the heat onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool enough to handle for about 40 minutes.
- Using oven mittens, peel breadfruit, cut roast breadfruit in half, cut out the core or heart then cut into slices and serve.
Method 2 Oven
The roasting time for breadfruit in the oven can vary based on the size and ripeness of the fruit. However, as a general guideline, it usually takes around 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours to roast a breadfruit in the oven.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Follow steps 1 and 2 above.
Then, carefully pierce the skin of the breadfruit with a sharp knife several times to allow steam to escape during the cooking process.
Rub cooking oil over the breadfruit skin. Using parchment paper and or foil, wrap breadfruit securely. I prefer to use parchment paper first then foil.
Place the breadfruit on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Place in the oven on the center rack and roast it in the oven until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft and tender, for at least 11/2- 2 hours.
Using oven mittens, remove breadfruit from the oven and allow it to cool enough to where you can handle it.
Peel breadfruit, cut roast breadfruit in half, cut out the core or heart then cut into slices and serve.
Then, carefully pierce the skin of the breadfruit with a sharp knife several times to allow steam to escape during the cooking process. Put the breadfruit on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan and roast it in the oven until the skin chars and the flesh becomes soft and tender.
After the breadfruit is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it open. Once it has cooled, cut the breadfruit into slices or chunks and remove the inedible core and seeds from the center. One can serve the roasted breadfruit as a side dish, mash it like potatoes, or use it in various recipes.
Delicious Recipes To Serve With Roast Breadfruit
Vegan Curry Chickpea Jamaican Style
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I roast a breadfruit in the oven?
The roasting time for breadfruit in the oven can vary based on the size and ripeness of the fruit. However, as a general guideline, it usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to roast breadfruit in the oven.
After roasting the breadfruit, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before cutting it open. Once it has cooled, cut the breadfruit into slices or chunks and remove the inedible core and seeds from the center. The roasted breadfruit can be served as a side dish, mashed like potatoes, or used in various recipes.
What does roasted breadfruit taste like?
Roasted breadfruit has a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of potato and artichoke. When roasted, the starchy flesh of the breadfruit becomes tender and creamy, with a slightly sweet taste and subtle nutty undertones.
The texture is similar to that of a well-cooked potato, but slightly denser and richer. The taste of roasted breadfruit can vary depending on the level of ripeness, with fully ripe fruit being sweeter and more flavorful than unripe fruit.
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Categories
- Categories: Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
(Per portion)- Energy: 226 kcal / 945 kJ
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 59 g
Cook Time
- Preparation: 5 min
- Cooking: 2 h
- Ready in: 2 h 5 min
- For: 8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 mature breadfruit
- 1 teaspoons oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven 425 degrees F. Choose a breadfruit that is fully mature (picture of breadfruit below), using a knife cut around the stem and about 1 inch deep and discard.
- Cut an X along the base of the fruit, this will allow the gas to escape as the breadfruit cooks.
- Rub cooking oil over the breadfruit skin. Using parchment paper and or foil, wrap breadfruit securely. I prefer to use parchment paper first then foil.
- Place in the oven on the center rack and bake for at least 11/2- 2 hours.
- Using oven mittens, remove breadfruit from oven and allow to cool enough where you can handle. Peel breadfruit, cut roast breadfruit in half, cut out the core or heart then cut into slices and serve.
I never knew that breadfruit came from south east Asia: thanks for the knowledge
You are welcome, thank you Candice for reading