Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)

El breadfruit tree It is a fruit tree of tropical origin that can reach a very large size if it is in a place where the climate allows it to grow and if it has enough water.

It is not well known in Spain yet, since it could only be adapted to the climate of some points in the south of the peninsula and the Canary Islands. In the rest of the country it would cost a lot, although it would be interesting to have it indoors if a lot of light enters the house.

What are their characteristics?

the tree of bread can reach 21 meters in height maximum, but normally it does not exceed 15 meters. The leaves are shiny dark green with light green veins. These measure between 20 and 90 centimeters long by 30-50 centimeters wide, and usually remain on the plant for several months until they are replaced by new ones. Now, if the weather is rather dry and/or cold, you will run out of them until conditions improve.

Our protagonist it is monoecious: the male inflorescence emerges first, which is a cylindrical spike, and then the female inflorescence, which is rounded and covered with thorns. And the fruits when ripe can be oval, round or oblong, and measure about 30 centimeters wide by 20 centimeters long. The flesh is cream colored, and has a fibrous pulp. There may or may not be seeds, but if you have them, you should know that they are also edible.

Where does the breadfruit tree grow?

It is an evergreen tree whose scientific name is Artocarpus altilis. It is native to the tropical regions of the Pacific, although today it is also cultivated in Central and South America, tropical Africa, as well as in gardens in other parts of the world.

This means that it needs a warm climate, with mild or somewhat high temperatures, and with a rainy season which must coincide with the summer, because he has a hard time if the heat is combined with the lack of water.

How is breadfruit grown?

Although it is a tree that grows very well in tropical climates, it can also grow in temperate regions where winters are warm. For this reason, we are interested in knowing how it is taken care of so that, in this way, you can decide whether to have it or not:

Where to put it?

bread tree it will be placed outside and in full sun, except if winters are cold in your area, with temperatures below 0ºC, in which case it is best to keep it in a pot so that you can bring it indoors when autumn arrives.

An adult specimen, which has been growing in the same place for years, can withstand a frost of -1ºC but only if it is very punctual, and if the temperature then rises quickly above 10ºC.

What land do you need?

El Artocarpus altilis vegetate on fertile soil, that is, in those rich in nutrients. It can grow in clay and acid soils, but it is important that they absorb water quickly so that the roots do not get waterlogged.

If it is going to be planted in a pot, we can put universal substrate mixed with 30% perlite (you can buy it here) in case you do not carry.

When to water it?

If a minimum of 1000mm of rainfall is recorded, and it falls throughout the year, irrigation will not be necessary. Otherwise, we will have to water it so that it does not go thirsty or have a bad time.

We will do it every time the land is almost completely dry, and we will use rainwater if that is possible. If it is not, we can choose to use water suitable for consumption.

Does it have to be paid?

Yes, in spring and summer. To do this, fertilizers authorized for organic farming will be used, such as the manure of herbivorous animals, mulch (for sale here), guano, egg shells, compost, among others. But if it is in a pot, we recommend using liquid fertilizers so that they are better absorbed.

Breadfruit Pests and Diseases

It is a fruit tree that resists both pests and diseases quite well. But you have to control the irrigation so that the fungi do not damage it. And it is that they can attack the Phytophthora, colleotrichum or Phellinus.

It can also attack your fruit fly, which in the larval phase feeds on the fruit, making it unfit for human consumption.

How do you eat breadfruit fruit?

Fruit it has to be peeled, since the edible part is the meat and the seeds. To make it easier to consume, what is also done is to cut it into pieces. Its flavor is sweet, and it can be eaten as a dessert, or as a snack.

Its nutritional value per 100 grams of raw fruit is as follows:

• Water: about 65%
• Proteins: 3,8g
• Carbohydrates: 77,3g
• Fat: 0,71g
• Calcium: 24mg
• Potassium: 352mg
• Phosphorus: 90mg
• Iron: 0,96mg
• Sodium: 7,1mg
• Vitamin B1: about 0,10mg
• Vitamin B2: 0,2mg
• Vitamin B3: 2,4mg
• Vitamin C: 22,7mg

What benefits does it have?

bread tree is considered medicinal in their places of origin. The bark, for example, is used to relieve headaches; the infusion of leaves to reduce blood pressure, and the roots to take care of the skin.

Have you heard of the breadfruit tree?