Breadfruit is an extremely versatile fruit and lends itself to a wide array of dishes. It can be cooked and eaten at all stages of growth: small and immature, similar to artichoke heart in texture and flavor; starchy mature, like a potato; and ripe: soft and sweet. Unripe breadfruit must be cooked but the ripe fruit is delicious raw or cooked.

The National Tropical Botanical Garden sponsors a Breadfruit (Ulu) Cookoff to promote the use of breadfruit as food and encourage people to grow and use this nutritious and versatile fruit in their daily diet. Several cookoffs have been held in Hana, Maui, since 1990 and the first Kauai cookoff will be on September 19, 2009, at the Southshore Visitors Center in Poipu. Contestants will prepare dishes in four categories: appetizers, soups and salads, main dishes, and desserts. Over 100 creative and delicious dishes have been created. These and other recipes will be available on our website.

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