Breadfruit originated in New Guinea and the Indo-Malay region and was spread throughout the vast Pacific by voyaging islanders. Europeans discovered breadfruit in the late 1500s. They were amazed and delighted by a tree that produced prolific, starchy fruits that, when roasted in a fire, resembled freshly baked bread in texture and aroma. “regarding food, if a man plant 10 ( breadfruit ) trees in his life he would completely fulfill his duty to his own as well as future generations ... Learn about breadfruit , a starchy fruit that tastes like bread and is a staple food in tropical regions. Find out its history, pictures, calories, glycemic index, health benefits and how to cook it. A-Z Ingredient Guide: Breadfruit — The Tropical Cousin You Have Been Mistaking For Jackfruit It’s not jackfruit, and it’s certainly not a bread roll. This starchy tropical staple is a versatile ingredient used in everything from appetisers to curries across Southern India. Breadfruit , tree of the mulberry family (Moraceae) and its large fruits that are a staple food of the South Pacific and other tropical areas. Breadfruit contains considerable amounts of starch and may be roasted, baked, boiled, fried, or dried and ground into flour.