What Does Breadfruit Taste Like?

Have you ever wondered what breadfruit tastes like? Most people in the US will go their entire lives without experiencing this fruit.

Our goal in this post is to explain what it tastes like and discuss other aspects of it so you can indirectly experience it. Maybe after learning more about breadfruit, you’ll even decide you want to try some.

Let’s take a closer look…

What Does Breadfruit Taste Like?

The name “breadfruit” is confusing. If you look at the fruit, you’ll see something spiny and vaguely intimidating. It looks nothing like a loaf bread, so where does the name come from?

That’s where the taste and smell come in. Cooked ripe breadfruit has a starchy flavor that’s remarkably similar to potatoes. The smell, on the other hand, is more akin to a loaf of bread.

Eat it raw, though, and you’ll have a different experience. It has an almost gluey texture and, despite smelling sweet, is pretty much flavorless.

If you want to eat your breadfruit raw, let it get a little past the ripe stage. At this point, the starch inside it has become sugar. It takes on a thick, pudding-like texture with a sweet and sugary taste that makes it feel like eating a dessert.

Related Article: 40+ Fruits that Start with B

What Does Breadfruit Smell Like?

The smell of breadfruit depends on whether it’s cooked and what stage of its life cycle it’s in.

Let’s say you cracked open a ripe breadfruit. The smell you’ll pick up will be one that’s distinctly sweet. Cooking it while it’s ripe will produce a smell just like a loaf of bread – earthy, yeasty, and with a warmth that’s sure to pique your appetite.

Overripe breadfruit will also smell quite sweet. Unlike with ripe breadfruit, though, the smell matches the flavor at that point.

What are the Benefits of Eating Breadfruit?

Besides its amazing aroma and potato-like taste, there are plenty of reasons you should try and incorporate breadfruit into your diet. It’s packed with nutrients. 

You’ll get carbs from breadfruit, which provide your muscles with energy. Breadfruit also contains vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, fiber, iron, protein, and potassium.

If you’re sensitive to gluten, you’ll also love how breadfruit can be used to make a gluten-free flour.

Read Also: What Does Durian Taste Like?

Is Breadfruit a Protein or a Carbohydrate?

Breadfruit contains both protein and carbohydrates. Of those two nutrients, however, breadfruit has way more carbohydrates – 31.9 grams per serving, to be precise. 

To put that into perspective, that same serving of breadfruit contains only 4 grams of protein.

You May Also Like: What Does Overripe Cantaloupe Taste Like?

Wrap Up

Breadfruit might look like a food from another planet, but don’t be intimidated by this bright green and pointy fruit. It’s versatile, filling, and tastes a lot like something you’re likely already familiar with: potatoes.

Later on in its life, as it goes past the point of ripeness, it becomes more like a custard fitting for dessert. Overripe breadfruit is a perfect smoothie ingredient. If you’d like to see more ideas for fruits to include in your smoothie, read our post about the best fruits for smoothies.