Breadfruit in the News

Breadfruit and the work of the Breadfruit Institute are featured in two Hawaii publications in May.

"Breadfruit: A Hawaiian delicacy of the past may be the food of the future." Story by Shannon Wianecki in Maui No ka Oi Magazine.

http://www.mauimagazine.net/Maui-Magazine/May-June-2013/Breadfruit/

"Diane Ragone And The Wonder Fruit." Story by Cocos Zickos in Midweek Kauai

http://www.midweekkauai.com/diane-ragone-breadfruit/

Posted in What's New on Thursday, May 16th, 2013

Join us for a Ma’afala Tree Distribution at Ma’o Organic Farms

The Breadfruit Institute and Ma`o Organic Farms will be distributing Ma`afala trees to Oahu residents on Saturday, May 18, from 9 am - noon.

Join us at the farms at 86-210 Puhawai Road, Waianae to receive your tree and information about planting and caring for a breadfruit tree.

Contact Ma`o Organic Farms at info@maoorganicfarms.org or call 808.696.5569 to reserve your free tree.

The Ho`oulu ka `Ulu Cookbook: Breadfruit tips, techniques, and Hawai`i`s favorite home recipes will be available for sale that day.

This giveaway is part of the "Plant a Tree of Life - Grow `Ulu" project, supported by a grant from The Ceres Trust with additional funding from the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program
of the DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife and the USDA Forest Service.

Posted in What's New on Thursday, May 16th, 2013

Celebrate Earth Day 2013 on Kauai with a Ma`afala Tree

The Breadfruit Institute is celebrating Earth Day 2013 on Kauai by participating in the annual Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park community work day at Lydgate Park on Saturday April 20 from 7:30am to -

Ma`afala trees will be distributed to participants to plant in their yard or community. Supplies are limited so come early, and support our efforts to plant more `ulu trees for sustainability and food security!

http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/kaua-i-celebrates-earth-day/article_17550336-a4c7-11e2-9b98-0019bb2963f4.html

Posted in What's New on Friday, April 19th, 2013

Spring 2013 Progress Report

The Breadfruit Institute`s Spring 2013 Progress Report is now available. Learn about Breadfruit Returns to Tahiti, Plant a Tree of Life - Grow `Ulu project, Samoan Government Benefits from Breadfruit Agreement, Two Samoas Ulu Summit, Research & Distribution Update, Education & Outreach, and Seeds of Hope.

All progress reports (2005-2013) are available at: http://ntbg.org/breadfruit/resources/display/cat/4/#18

Download file: BFI_Spring_2013_Progress_Rpt.pdf

Posted in What's New on Saturday, April 6th, 2013

Breadfruit Institute at Maui Agricultural Festival - Grand Taste Event

Ian Cole, Breadfruit Institute Collection Manager, is pairing with Chef Riko Bartolome of Asia-Vous to create a delicious breadfruit dish. At the 2012 "Grand Taste," this award-winning team received third place awards in the Judges Choice and Fan Favorites for their Pan-Fried Smoked Salmon `Ulu Cakes with Tapioca Tartar Sauce.

The "Grand Taste Education" pairs twelve of Maui`s best farmers and their produce with twelve of Maui`s hottest chefs. For attendees, it offers a chance to experience a tasting menu from each and an opportunity to vote for a "fan favorite."

The 6th annual Maui County Agricultural Festival will be held Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Wailuku.

The event is free to the public and provides a forum for the Maui County Farm Bureau, local farmers, ranchers and agricultural allies to come together to share agriculture`s vital role in the economy and environment.

It also features many exhibits, demonstrations, panels, guest speakers, special events, animals, food and fun.

The Breadfruit Institute will also have a booth at the Festival, so stop by and learn about our work on breadfruit.

http://mauinow.com/2013/04/02/ag-fest-offers-grand-taste-event/

Posted in What's New on Thursday, April 4th, 2013

Puna Breadfruit Festival - `Ulu a Niu

The Second Annual Puna `Ulu Festival - `Ulu a Niu will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 9 am - 3 pm at Ho`oulu Lahui, the site of Kua O Ka La Public Charter School at Pa`ala`a, adjacent to the `Ahalanui County Park warm ponds in Puna.

The event is free and open to the public. The Puna ‘Ulu Festival - `Ulu a Niu will celebrate `ulu (breadfruit) and niu (coconut) with a cooking contest, breadfruit trees and coconut palm trees for sale, presentations, keiki activities, cultural demonstrations, music all day with Diane Aki, Bruddah Cuz and Ili Wai, and local food featuring breadfruit and coconut.

http://hawaiihomegrown.net/puna-ulu-festival-2013

Posted in What's New on Tuesday, February 5th, 2013

Merrill Shindler Show Features Breadfruit Institute

Merrill Shindler, host of Feed Your Face interviews Dr. Diane Ragone about breadfruit and the Breadfruit Institute on TalkRadio 760 KABC in Los Angeles. Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 4pm PST.

Merrill is editor of the Los Angeles Zagat Survey, host of Fine Living: Critics on the Fine Living Network, restaurant critic for the Copley and San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, and host of a weekly program on how much fun it is to put things in your mouth on KABC Radio.

http://www.kabc.com/common/page.php?pt=Merrill+Shindler&id=381&is_corp=0

Posted in What's New on Saturday, February 2nd, 2013

Ma`afala Trees Planted at Hawaii Department of Agriculture HQ

Three Ma`afala trees were planted at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture`s historic landscape at their headquarters on King and Keeaumoku Streets in Honolulu on January 10.

Russell Kokubun, Director of Agriculture, and department staff, joined Dr. Diane Ragone and horticulturist, Heidi Bornhorst, in planting the trees as part of the Breadfruit Institute`s "Plant a Tree of Life - Grow `Ulu" project to plant 4,000 Ma`afala trees in Hawaii.

Posted in What's New on Friday, January 11th, 2013

Samoa `Ulu Summit

Dr. Diane Ragone, Director of the Breadfruit Institute, was the keynote speaker at the `Ulu Summit held in Pago Pago, American Samoa in December. The summit was convened by the Honorable Togiola Tulafono, Governor of American Samoa to explore the possibilities of commercializing breadfruit in the two Samoas.

"The opportunity to develop and establish a new food manufacturing and export industry in American Samoa creates jobs, new opportunities for business, stimulates economic growth and enhances the role of American Samoa in contributing to Pacific regional collaboration, stability and peace through economic opportunity," Papalii Dr. Tusi Avegalio, Director of the University of Hawaii Pacific Business Center Program.

An `Ulu Festival held in conjunction with the festival featured celebrity chef Sam Choy and dozens of local chefs showcasing breadfruit dishes. The lovely contestants of the 2012 Miss South Pacific Pageant joined the festivities.

http://www.samoanews.com/?q=node/69274

Posted in What's New on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

Samoa Benefits from Breadfruit Institute Collaboration

The Government of Samoa received a check for sales of a Samoan breadfruit cultivar as a result of a landmark benefit-sharing agreement entered into over four years ago. The check was presented in early December by Dr. Diane Ragone, Director of the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), which is headquartered in Hawai`i, to the the Honorable Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries of Samoa, in the capital of Apia.

In 2008, NTBG entered into a memorandum of understanding with government of Samoa that the nonprofit NTBG is designated as Samoa`s agent/representative to distribute Samoan breadfruit varieties globally through Cultivaris/Global Breadfruit, a horticultural partner with growing facilities in California, Europe, and Central America. For each tree sold, NTBG receives a net licensing fee and, in turn, gives half of that fee to the Samoan government.

The foundation for the agreement stems back to the 1980s when Dr. Ragone spent years of collecting breadfruit varieties throughout the tropical Pacific. NTBG established a comprehensive collection of trees at its Maui garden in 1989. In order to put greater emphasis on the conservation and study of this important food crop, NTBG formed its Breadfruit Institute in 2003 with Dr. Ragone at the helm. After conducting a number of studies in nutrition and seasonality, the Institute began collaborating with Dr. Susan Murch, now at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, an expert in in vitro micropropagation. Breadfruit is generally propagated vegetatively, from root shoots. Dr. Murch`s tissue culture work thus far has put two Samoan varieties, Ma`afala and `Ulu fiti, into mass production by Cultivaris. In addition to those originating in Samoa, Dr. Murch has had success with several other varieties from the Pacific.

The $5,203 check is the result of the first full year of tree sales.

"At this critical time of global food security issues, these exciting partnerships now make it possible for the Breadfruit Institute to make significant advances in promoting the cultivation and use of breadfruit," said Ragone. "We now have the means to produce and distribute millions of breadfruit trees for tree planting projects in the tropics, where hunger and lack of food sustainability are prevalent. In the past two years, trees of a superior variety have been distributed by Global Breadfruit to 14 countries, including Haiti, Jamaica, Ghana, Nigeria, and Myanmar."

"This landmark agreement underscores NTBG`s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The agreement will support conservation and capacity building with the countries of origin for breadfruit varieties at the NTBG. It will use this incomparable collection to return benefits to Pacific nations and their people, helping to perpetuate traditional crop varieties, knowledge, and cultural practices involving breadfruit. It`s a win-win."

Download file: Press_Release2_Samoa-Breadfruit-Benefits_121412_2.pdf

Posted in What's New on Monday, December 17th, 2012

Fall 2012 Progress Report

The Breadfruit Institute`s Fall 2012 Progress Report is now available. Learn about our work to advance our mission to promote the conservation and use of breadfruit through Global Breadfruit Projects, Hawaii Projects, the Breadfruit Collection, Research, Novel Breadfruit Products, and Information Resources.

All progress reports (2005-2012) are available at: http://ntbg.org/breadfruit/resources/display/cat/4/#18

Download file: BFI_Fall_2012_Progress_Rpt.pdf

Posted in What's New on Friday, November 30th, 2012

Liquid Breadfruit

Maui Brewing Company, known for their handcrafted ales and lagers, has created a new beer in collaboration with Dogfish Head brewery in Maryland. The Breadfruit Institute is providing fruit for this limited-release specialty beer and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support the Institute.

"The pub batch brewed as a test in April was a HUGE hit at the annual Maui Brewer`s Festival."
Garrett Marrero, Maui Brewing Company Founder & President

"It tasted like what it feels like to be on Maui...like nature magnified: tropical and refreshing and lovely."
Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Founder & President

http://beerpulse.com/2012/09/liquid-breadfruit-maui-and-dogfish-heads-collaboration-lands-in-october/

Posted in What's New on Monday, November 26th, 2012

1,000 Ma`afala Trees Distributed on Kauai and Oahu

The Breadfruit Institute has distributed nearly 1,000 Ma`afala breadfruit trees on Kauai and Oahu in October and November, 2012. The Plant a Tree of Life - Grow `Ulu project works with organizations that serve native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and low-income residents to make trees available to their constituencies and/or plant at their sites.

Kauai Partners
Lihue United Church
Kekaha Community Garden
Anahola Homesteads Association
Charter schools in Anahola and Kekaha
Waipa Foundation

Oahu Partners
Pacific Gateway Center
Hau`ula Community Association
Kokua Hawaii Foundation
Makeke Kapolei Farmers Market
Keiki o ka Aina
Kokua Kalihi Foundations

Posted in What's New on Monday, November 26th, 2012

Ma`afala Tree Distribution with the Hau`ula Community Association

The Breadfruit Institute and the Hau`ula Community Association distributed more than 450 breadfruit (`ulu) trees to members of the Hau`ula community in windward Oahu on October 20. Residents from Laie, Kahuku, Pupukea, Haleiwa, and Waimanalo also received trees. As part of the program, `ulu were planted in natural disaster safety zones in the community and at on the Hau`ula Elementary campus.

The variety called Ma`afala, along with information on how to plant the trees in yards and home gardens, was distributed. Diane Ragone, PhD, Director of the Breadfruit Institute and Heidi Bornhorst, a local horticulturist and arborist, were on hand to speak with anyone who had questions. Ms. Bornhorst also provided a workshop to students and parents at the school planting.

"Hau`ula Community Association has been developing an emergency preparedness plan over the last two years, and this was part of the plan to provide for food safety in the case of a disaster, where foods are not available or able to be shipped in to the island," explained HCA president Dotty Kelly-Paddock.

http://www.midweek.com/hauula-betting-on-ulu-for-future-sustenance/#4131

Posted in What's New on Thursday, November 1st, 2012

Talking Trees: Learning From Breadfruit in Hawai`i

Take a real or virtual tour around Hawai`i Island and learn about the culture and history of the island through stories of the `ulu (breadfruit). This engaging and resource-rich smartphone application includes tour stops of cultural interest, breadfruit recipes, Hawaiian mythological stories, video interviews with local cultural practitioners, and links to information about how to cultivate and use breadfruit.

Ho`oulu ka `Ulu is a project of the Hawai`i Homegrown Food Network and the Breadfruit Institute to revitalize `ulu (breadfruit) as an attractive, delicious, nutritious, abundant, affordable, and culturally appropriate food which addresses Hawai`i’s food security issues. To learn more visit: www.breadfruit.info

Sites visited include:
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Keauhou Shopping Center
The Painted Church
Slow Food in Holualoa
Keeku and Hapaialii Heaiu
Breadfruit Festival at Amy Greenwell Garden
Courtyard King Kamehameha`s Kona Beach Hotel
Isaac Hale Beach Park
Pu`uhonua O Honaunau
Kealakekua Bay & the Captain Cook Monument
Ka`upulehu
Kua O Ka La Public Charter School at Pu’ala’a
Kalapana - End of the Road
Kauulu

Download from the app store or: https://itunes.apple.com/app/talking-trees/id561504828?mt=8

Posted in What's New on Thursday, October 18th, 2012

Ho`oulu ka `Ulu Cookbook: Breadfruit tips, techniques, and Hawaii`s favorite home recipes

Learn how to pick or buy fruit, cook, and prepare wonderful breadfruit dishes!

This new cookbook is essential for both novice and expert breadfruit cooks. It covers how to select fruit that will have the best taste and texture for the dish you are preparing. Then it covers the most important ways to cook breadfruit to eat plain (like potato) or use in various recipes. Finally, it presents 20 recipes selected from the last 25 years of breadfruit cookoffs and cooking contests in Hawai`i, allowing you to pick a dish perfect for any occasion.

Order the book now: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1479307491/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

CONTENTS
Preface by Dr. Diane Ragone
Introduction
When to pick `ulu fruit
Immature and full size green fruit
Mature fruit
Ripe fruit
Harvesting

Basic cooking techniques
Steaming
Boiling
Baking
Frying
Traditional methods

Recipes
Pupus (Appetizers)
Spicy `Ulu Poke
Breadfruit Hummus & Falafel
`Ulu Chips & `Ulu Dip
Wonton Wraps

Soups, sides, and salads
Breadfruit Seafood Chowder
`Ulu Salad
`Ulu Fries
Breadfruit Biscuits

Main dishes
Corned Beef Patties
Moloka`i `Ulu
Yellow Breadfruit Curry
`Ulu au Gratin
Savory Breadfruit Bake
`Aina Lasagna

Desserts
Kaua`i Paradise Pie
`Ulu Pops
Breadfruit Pumpkin Pie
`Ulu Custard Pie
`Ulu Ice Cream

Recipes by: Celeste Aleah, Mariposa Blanco, Jeanette Bonilla, Mele Brewer, Laurel Brier, Honey Burns, Brenda Cloutier, Ingrid Estrella, Eno Garard, Ike `Aina-`Ainaola Culinary Arts Class, Pauline Kalama, Jill Kawaiaea, Satsuki "Suki" Matsuhashi, Wilkie McClaren, Genji K. Nakada, Manolya E. Oner, Nader "Nanoa" Parsia, Richard "Ric" Rocker, Dana Shapiro, Sara Thompson, Team Waipa

Posted in What's New on Saturday, October 13th, 2012

American Samoa Delegation Visits Breadfruit Institute

The Governor of American Samoa Togiola Tala Tulafono and the First Lady Mary Taufaasau Togiola, Deputy Assistant to the Governor, Hawaii Office, Sgt Major (USMC ret.) Moeituasivi Filipo Ilaoa, and Papalii Dr. Tusi Avegalio, Director, and Dr. CL Cheshire, Senior Business Development Manager of the Pacific Business Center Program at the Shidler College of Business Administration, University of Hawaii, visited the Breadfruit Institute on Kauai to discuss collaborative breadfruit projects.

American Samoa and Samoa were both severely impacted by a tsunami in 2009 that damaged or destroyed many homes and communities. There is interest in breadfruit replanting projects for food security and economic development.

The Breadfruit Institute conserves 18 breadfruit varieties from Upolu and Savaii Islands.

Posted in Visitors on Friday, January 20th, 2012

French Polynesia Delegation Visits Breadfruit Institute

Kalani Teixeira, Minister of Agriculture & Farming from French Polynesia, visited the Breadfruit Institute on Kauai to discuss collaborative breadfruit (`uru) projects. The President of French Polynesia, Oscar Manutahi Temaru, accompanied by the Ministers of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Advisors Hiria Ottino and Teua Temaru, and Hawaii State Senator Kalani English, visited the breadfruit collection at Kahanu Garden in Hana, Maui.

The Institute conserves 51 varieties from French Polynesia in its breadfruit germplasm collection including varieties from Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Tahiti in the Society Islands and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands

Posted in Visitors on Thursday, January 19th, 2012