How to Roast Breadfruit on the Stove Top: A True Taste of Jamaica

 

How to Roast Breadfruit on the Stove Top: A True Taste of Jamaica

Breadfruit is more than just a staple in Jamaican cuisine—it’s a taste of tradition, culture, and comfort all rolled into one. While many people enjoy it boiled, roasting breadfruit brings out a wonderfully nutty, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with ackee and saltfish, curried chicken, or simply a sprinkle of salt. Today, I’ll take you step by step through roasting yellow-flesh breadfruit on the stove top, the Jamaican way. 

Choosing the Perfect Breadfruit

In Jamaica, breadfruit, also called bresha, comes in two main varieties:

  • White-flesh: Soft and ideal for boiling.

  • Yellow-flesh: Slightly firmer and perfect for roasting.

For this guide, I used a Portland Parish yellow-flesh breadfruit. Its sweet aroma and firm texture make it ideal for roasting, giving it a golden, tender interior and slightly caramelized crust.


Breadfruit roasting on a stove top in Jamaica


Preparing the Breadfruit

Start by removing the stem and placing the breadfruit face down. This allows the sticky sap to drain naturally. To help it along, I mark an X at the bottom. I never roast freshly picked breadfruit immediately, as letting the sap drain enhances the flavor and reduces roasting time. Once the sap has drained, you’ll notice the breadfruit is lighter and roasted more evenly. 

Roasting the Breadfruit

Place the breadfruit stem-side down over high heat. Allow the stem area to roast for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial because the heat penetrates the heart of the breadfruit, where most of the sap collects, ensuring it cooks evenly from the inside out.

After the initial 20 minutes, carefully turn the breadfruit. Continue roasting, turning every 15 minutes. You’ll notice sap bubbling from the skin during the process, so protect your hands with old dish towels. The aroma of roasting breadfruit will start to fill your kitchen—a warm, slightly sweet smell that hints at the delicious meal to come.

yellow heart roasted breadfruit

Cooling and Serving

Once roasted, allow the breadfruit to cool slightly before peeling. The golden interior will be tender, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Roasted breadfruit can be served with:

  • Ackee and saltfish for a traditional Jamaican breakfast

  • Curried chicken for a hearty lunch or dinner

  • Or simply enjoyed on its own with a pinch of salt

You can even slice and fry leftover roasted breadfruit for a crispy, caramelized snack. Each bite carries the subtle sweetness and smoky undertones of perfectly roasted breadfruit. Enjoy with a chilled glass of Guinep drink

roasted breadfruit on stove top







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