A mature ‘ulu tree produces hundreds of pounds of fruit each year and is an important staple crop throughout the Pacific. As Hawai‘i residents become more aware of a need for food self-sufficiency in the islands, there’s been an increased interest in production of this starchy crop.
Breadfruit tends to be a mystery to people who have never tried it, though. It’s not commonly found in the western diet and there are some tricks to understanding how to cook ‘ulu based on its stages of ripeness.
Green ‘ulu is firm and starchy and can be cooked and used as a potato substitute. Ripe ‘ulu is soft and sweet and can be eaten raw or used in a variety of baked goods. It’s incredibly versatile!