Whether fried or roasted, breadfruit is an outstanding side dish for many Caribbean meals. In St. Vincent, breadfruit has been a staple crop since slavery. Today, not only is it one half of the national dish, but it also gets its own festival.
A Popular Staple That Isn’t Native To The Island
Because breadfruit was common, cheap, and versatile, it was an ideal source of food for enslaved people. However, it isn’t native to the island.
Caribbean Beat reports, “Like many other fruit and plants, it was transplanted to St. Vincent and has made itself at home. The humble breadfruit arrived in 1793, thanks to Captain William Bligh of the HMS Bounty.”
Today, St. Vincent has over 25 varieties of breadfruit.
When Is The Breadfruit Festival?
Communities across St. Vincent celebrate the festival in August. Along with the music, dancing, and events that honor the island’s emancipation, you’ll find breadfruit everywhere. Best of all, you’ll see it in its traditional and non-traditional forms.
According to The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, “The dishes include breadfruit cheese pie, breadfruit puff, pizza, lasagna, breadsticks, quiche, and sweet and sour candy. There are also breadfruit drinks available.”
Support this crop by patronizing local restaurants. You can also get it at your hotel, or ask your private villa chef to prepare it for you.
Other Countries Show Love To Breadfruit
From the Caribbean to Asia, breadfruit has fans all over the world.
According to Patagonia Provisions, “Depending on its ripeness level, it can be baked, steamed, coal-roasted, boiled, pickled, candied, added to soups, stews, curries, and salads, mashed into pancakes or used for pies and cakes—and it makes killer French fries.”
In Jamaica, breadfruit can be eaten with a host of dishes and it’s perfect for sopping up sauces. In Dominica and St. Lucia, breadfruit balls can be served fried or baked.
Haitians put their own spin on breadfruit. Lam Veritab is a tasty, sweet, and sour breadfruit fritter. It’s a tasty snack that can be eaten alone or with a meal.
