- Scientists think this weird-looking, odd-smelling fruit holds the key to fighting world hunger as temperatures rise
This fruit smells like baked bread and tastes like potatoes, and it could help feed populations during droughts and famines.
Breadfruit, despite the name, is not made from bread. This tall tree is native to Pacific islands and yields a starchy fruit comparable to jackfruit.
Researchers at Northwestern University have been investigating breadfruit because they believe it can help feed the globe when our more fragile crops are threatened by rising global temperatures.
Although humans have become adept at farming a wide range of foods, climate change and consequent weather patterns are likely to make it more difficult to grow particular crops, such as rice, soybeans, maize, and wheat. And given how popular these meals are, this is a significant development.
Northwestern scientists discovered that breadfruit is very resistant to increasing temperatures and precipitation variations. The drought-resistant breadfruit does not require a lot of fertiliser or water to grow either.
Breadfruit may be the best option for feeding the globe because of its ability to grow in areas most affected by global warming.
Northwestern selected Sub-Saharan Africa as an ideal region for growing breadfruit due to its vulnerability to climate change and food insecurity. This versatile fruit can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasting, frying, and steaming, and has a bread-like aroma when cooked.
It’s excellent that breadfruit can be a viable backup in case the rising climate impacts the foods we love, but it doesn’t mean we can’t take action now to maintain our existing food supply. We can all help cool the globe by doing a few easy actions, such as switching to clean and affordable energy or simply discussing the earth’s overheating with our families and friends. Here are some suggestions for how to initiate those conversations.
As people and governments adjust to a warmer globe, growing breadfruit could be a simple way to make the world more robust.
