This fruit intriguingly has the aroma of freshly baked bread and a taste reminiscent of potatoes. It could play a crucial role in feeding communities during periods of drought and famine.
Despite its name, breadfruit is not related to bread. It’s a lofty tree indigenous to Pacific islands, bearing a starchy fruit akin to a jackfruit.
Researchers at Northwestern University are exploring the potential of breadfruit because they believe it could be essential in sustaining the world as our more vulnerable crops face threats due to escalating global temperatures.
Humans have become proficient at cultivating a diverse array of foodstuffs, but climatic changes and resulting shifts in weather patterns might make it challenging to grow certain staples, such as rice, soybeans, corn, and wheat. Considering the widespread consumption of these foods, this poses a significant issue. However, recent research from Northwestern scientists has revealed that breadfruit exhibits remarkable resilience to rising temperatures and alterations in rainfall. This drought-tolerant fruit also doesn’t require extensive fertilization or water for growth.
What might render breadfruit an optimal solution for global nourishment, however, is its ability to thrive in regions most affected by the planet’s warming. As populations and governments adapt to a warming world, cultivating breadfruit could offer a straightforward means to bolster global resilience.