Roast Breadfruit

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.

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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

1. 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.
2. Breadfruit roasted in an oven.

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 Rundown

Vegan Ackee

Stew Peas

Jamaican Callaloo

Vegan Curry Chickpea Jamaican Style

Frequently Asked Questions

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