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Tobagos breadfruit story
sgtdjones
2021-03-24 14:38:49
Tobago’s breadfruit story
The introduction of the breadfruit plant into Tobago from its native home in the islands of the Pacific was no chance occurrence. It was the result of a confluence of factors and interests at both the imperial and colonial levels.Plant explorer Captain James Cook made a voyage to the Pacific, and on his return he recommended that the breadfruit plant be introduced to the Caribbean as a food source for the region because of its ease of cultivation and the abundance of its production. The suggestion captured the attention of officials at the colonial office, and English botanist Sir Joseph Banks made arrangements for the successful transfer of breadfruit plants to the region. In 1792 Captain William Bligh conducted a successful expedition and returned with 678 plants to be distributed between the botanic gardens at Jamaica and St Vincent for propagation and dissemination in the region.
In his application, James Robley, president of council and owner of Golden Grove and two other estates on the island, indicated that he had introduced breadfruit plants on his estate in 1792, from plants he purchased from Martinique. He stated he was disappointed that the plants he received were of the seeded type and not the variety which he desired. He later obtained three plants of Otaheite breadfruit from Dr Alexander Anderson who was in charge of the St Vincent Botanic Gardens.
What Robley did not indicate in his application was the negative reaction of the enslaved population to the breadfruit, with which they were not familiar. They showed a strong preference for bananas and plantains and scorned the breadfruit, which to some, resembled a poisonous African plant. To others it was considered fit only to feed pigs. Since then, of course, the breadfruit has come to gain high regard for its gastronomic potential and acclaim for its health benefits.
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Halliwell
2021-03-24 18:45:06
In reply to sgtdjones
Breadfruit is king up and down the West Indies
Was there a single introduction or different ones via different circumstances over time?
Chrissy
2021-03-24 19:12:40
In reply to Halliwell
The first breadfruits were planted in St Vincent - ask Point for details
POINT
2021-03-24 20:26:06
In reply to sgtdjones
Your assertion is Very Wrong . When
Breadfruit was introduced to the West
Indies from the South Seas , the first
Port of Call in the Region was
St. Vincent .
That was due to the fact that the second in command of the famous Kew Gardens in England was in St. Vincent at that time .
One of the Leaders in the Pacific Islands , who was a local Botanist
stowed away on the Boat , with the
full knowledge of Everyone on the Boat .
The Botanical Gardens in St. Vincent is one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in the Western Hemisphere . In this Garden there is a Breadfruit
tree , a descendant of one of the
Original Breadfruit infant Trees that came to St, Vincent .
The other Islands in the vicinity got their Trees from St. Vincent .
The second Port of Call was Jamaica ,
where the man who cared for the young Breadfruit trees died .
POINT
2021-03-24 20:32:45
In reply to Chrissy
As far as I am aware , they were mainly taken to St. Vincent and Jamaica , and
were then distributed to other nearby British controlled Islands in the Region .
Halliwell
2021-03-24 21:00:19
In reply to POINT
Thanks; great stuff
Chrissy
2021-03-24 21:52:47
In reply to POINT
That is my understanding as well.
Me now - I just love it - roasted, fried or in soups or salads 
My pandemic snack of choice is Afimi breadfruit chips with Scotch bonnet pepper and sea salt.
POINT
2021-03-24 22:16:14
In reply to Chrissy
I like Breadfruit , in most of its various forms ,but roasted is my favourite . I believe that Breadnut is related to Breadfruit .
I also love it fried and roasted with
butter, also in Soups .
POINT
2021-03-24 23:50:38
In reply to Halliwell
I believe that Breadnut Trees are related to the Breadfruit Trees . It is
quite possible that the Breadnut Trees
also came from the South Sea Islands .
Ayenmol
2021-03-25 00:40:36
Yep...More support for the account of Creation and man spreading the Trees from that origin around the Earth....is it not awe inspiring that just about all the trees in our Region came from the general area the Garden of Eden and Life, is believed to have begun?
Btw....It is interesting that according to the History of the breadfruit tree in St. Vincent, the stow away did so in plain sight and to the knowledge of all....because how else would it be common knowledge that this was how the breadfruit was brought to the region?
But then, is it really a stow away if everyone is in on it?
POINT
2021-03-25 03:29:16
In reply to Ayenmol
It is my understanding that his knowledge about Breadfruit Trees was
the reason why he was allowed tostay on the Ship and look after the small breadfruit trees .
Halliwell
2021-03-25 14:27:01
In reply to POINT
I hear you guys rave about roasted breadfruit for years but I still need a recipe.
I only know in TT: oil dong, or chips or boil & fry
Ayenmol
2021-03-25 15:18:51
In reply to Halliwell
I think roasting a breadfruit is literally the easiest and first foray into "cooking" for most Windians who have access to this perfect fruit/provision.
You literally just put it over the fire and turn it till brown to satisfaction.
POINT
2021-03-25 15:26:45
In reply to Halliwell
Chrissy I am sure knows more of the
various ways than I do . I know that
it is generally Roasted outdoors , and then the skin is peeled off , it is then sliced , you can eat it like that or you can also then fry it and then put butter on it .
I am quite sure that Chrissy knows
the various ways it is prepared , and eaten .
Ayenmol
2021-03-25 15:34:24
In reply to POINT
breadfruit almost has a double 'skin' if you will....where you can almost burn the outer and it starts to drop off and reveals the inner softer skin that is usually pretty good eating when it is lightly brown from the process.
Drapsey
2021-03-25 15:47:41
In reply to Ayenmol
In the modern era you just bake/roast it in the oven at about 450 degrees. The time in the oven is dependent on the size of the breadfruit. .5 to .75 hour usually gets the job done.
The finished sliced (pegged) breadfruit ideally goes with the Ackee and Saltfish trimming.
Ayenmol
2021-03-25 16:09:05
In reply to Drapsey
i hear you.....does it taste as good from the oven as over a fire?
Particularly electric ovens.
Halliwell
2021-03-25 16:27:53
Great stuff guys- I will try it once I make a foray into London to secure one- unless ponderiver knows of any breadfruit merchants in the Royal County!
Drapsey
2021-03-25 16:35:12
In reply to Ayenmol
I couldn't discern a difference with the taste/texture.
The only big difference is in appearance where the skin isn't black like fire (coal) roasted. You just have to settle with the "bronze" look.
Note:
Where I live there's an alternative. We can take the lazy route and go down to the Caribbean grocery store where the already roasted and sliced breadfruit is available in the freezer. Hermetically sealed in plastic and all.
Chrissy
2021-03-25 21:27:41
In reply to POINT
Yep roasted on coal or wood fires, but you can slow roast breadfruit int he over for four to five hours at 350 - quite delish but without that nice smoky flavor.
Some Jamaican stores in the US sell them on weekends.
The thing is after you roast you can light fry - Cut in half, then quarters, then cut the quarters in two or three pieces.
