Breadfruit or Panna… and called by many other names is a starchy fruit that grows in the Pacific and Caribbean islands, Hawaii, Philippines, India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Jamaica, Indonesia, Trinidad, Brazil, Barbados, an other tropical places.
Outside of Breadfruit
History – Breadfruit has a bit of a nutty flavor and is used in main dishes and even desserts. The fruit is large from 5 to 20 lbs with a white creamy texture inside. When the white sap starts to drip from the fruit you know it’s ripe and ready to cook.
Inside of Breadfruit
The British tried to take Breadfruit back to the UK when America was first discovered but it would not grow there. The trees demanded so much fresh water on the trip back to the UK that the sailors protested, perhaps you remember the movie “Mutiny on the Bounty”.
But Breadfruit is loved because it has a wonderful flavor. Breadfruit trees are large and produce lots of fruit, and even Sir Joseph Banks in 1769 said that if a man plants 10 Breadfruit trees he has done is duty for future generations.
Lowers Cholesterol – Bread Fruit contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and is full of fiber thus lowering bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol or HDL cholesterol, lowering triglycerides… and helps in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.
Lowers Blood Sugar – And because of Bread Fruits has lots of fiber it slows down absorption of sugars so it’s helpful for diabetics.
Lowers Blood Pressure – It also lowers blood pressure and can help in preventing colon cancer because it contains lots of fiber thus making the colon a good place for probiotic bacteria to grow… thus boosting your immunity.
Colon Cancer – And because of Bread Fruit contains lots of fiber it’s also good for reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Great Flour – The fruit flesh can be dried and made into a very nutrient rich flour that is very healthy, much healthier than wheat flour and it’s gluten free, plus it makes great bread.
Eye Health – Breadfruit also contains lutein and zeasanthin which are important for eye health and for preventing macular degeneration. Plus Breadfruit is cholesterol free and super low in fat.
Lots of Nutrients – Bread Fruit also contains Vitamins A and C for getting rid of free radicals and boosting immunity, B Vitamins for increase vitality and mood enhancement, Vitamin E for sexual health, Vitamin K for proper clotting, selenium for treating prostate cancer, copper and iron for anemia, phosphorus and calcium for strong bones, zinc for boosting immunity, potassium for water regulation, magnesium for regulating blood sugar levels, manganese for arthritis, and many different proteins such as lysine for building muscles and enzyme production.
Ways to Prepare – In some places Breadfruit is added stews, soups, fried, made into something resembling fried potatoes, boiled, baked, steamed, BBQ’d, made into chips, roast and stuffed, and made into flan, puddings… and I’ve even made Breadfruit cakes and muffins in the past… it’s wonderful!
Here is some Breadfruit and veggie soup I made, and you can find all kinds of recipes for Breadfruit, and Breadfruit can substitute for potatoes and pasta too.
Breadfruit and Veggies Soup
Other Uses – Breadfruit has also been used for insect repellent, glue, animal feed, and more.
Unfortunately Breadfruit once picked only lasts 2 or 3 days… then it turns black and goes mushy and can’t be used. That’s why you’ll have to go to the islands to enjoy this great food.
Ask for Breadfruit Flour – Some are starting to sell Breadfruit flour online. Start asking for it at your local health food store… they will respond.
Dr. Paul Haider – Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 20 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, Shambala Spiritual Transformation Institute, Meditation for the Soul, and Relax Into Success, Punjab teas, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to contact him any time. Also check out Dr. Haider’s radio show at http://www.thesourcecenterradio.com/The-Relaxed-Soul.html August show to be about “Spirituality and Food”
Relax Into Success 