Breadfruit trees with their beautiful broad leaves and delicious fruit are one of my favorite trees in Haiti. Not only do I love the way they look but when I see a large mature tree that is bearing fruit, I know that it is producing much needed nutrition for the area.

We are excited to partner with the Trees That Feed Foundation who has awarded us 90 Breadfruit trees to plant in the communities that we serve in Destra, Carrefour Croix and Bossan. These trees will feed the community, provide shade, create jobs plus benefit the environment. We love the philosophy of Trees that Feed that breadfruit trees not only benefit the environment, but the trees create micro-economies, combat hunger and lessen the need for expensive imported grains.

To ensure that the trees are planted correctly and cared for to safeguard their survival we are partnering with Codep/Haiti Reforestation who will assist us and provide technical assistance. Their agronom knows the local landscape well.

Together we are creating food systems which are controlled by local communities, reducing their dependence on imported grains.

Aside from being eaten raw, breadfruit can be baked, boiled, candied, fried, pickled, roasted and steamed. The fruit can be shredded, dried for storage or easily processed into gluten-free flour. Breadfruit can be consumed at all stages of development; ripe as a fruit or mature as a vegetable—where it can replace conventional starches. (Think of it as a tropical potato.) As the fruit ripens, the starches convert to sugars and the flesh softens to a custard-like consistency

Breadfruit is not only a substantial food source; the breadfruit tree also provides a multitude of other advantageous uses.

Gluten-Free Flour: Breadfruit can be processed into a gluten-free flour, far superior in taste, nutrition and structure to any other GF flour alternative.

Insect Repellant: In addition to a safer alternative to DEET, the male breadfruit flower is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects.

Latex: The sap excreted from the breadfruit can be used as a waterproof caulking for water crafts and homes, as well as chewing gum.

Fabric: Fibers from the bark of the breadfruit tree can be harvested without killing the crop and used to make mosquito nets, clothing, accessories, artwork and even paper.

Animal Feed: Fallen fruits, as well as the leaves of the tree, can be used as nutritious animal feed.

We look forward to watching these trees grow and to them becoming a staple in their community.