Popular Science Let Me Tell You丨There really is "bread" growing on trees! Have grains and fruits quietly "merged"?

Spread scientific ideas and promote scientific spirit

The 2024 Hainan Province Science Popularization Explanation Competition came to a successful conclusion a few days ago. "Science Popularization Hainan" broadcast the speeches of the contestants who entered the finals to spread the voice of science popularization more widely.

Today, let us follow Liang Cuilian from the Institute of Spice and Beverages, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences to learn about " Bread Growing on Trees" .

Have you ever thought about this question: In addition to being processed, is it possible for bread to grow on trees? In fact, there is such a "natural bread", which is the " granary on the tree " that I will talk about next - breadfruit .

It comes from the South Pacific Islands more than 3,000 years ago. It belongs to the same woody fruit crop of the Moraceae family as jackfruit and durian. It grows on trees and is both a fruit and a grain . When breadfruit is fully ripe, it can be eaten directly after peeling. It has a natural bread aroma and tastes as sweet and delicious as high-quality cream pudding. When it is 80% to 90% ripe, it is picked, peeled, cut into pieces, and fried in oil. It tastes like soft bread and chestnuts, and can be eaten as a staple food.

Why can breadfruit be used as food? Because its starch content is no less than that of sweet potatoes and potatoes, and it has almost all the nutrients in food and fruits and vegetables. It is also rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, dietary fiber and vitamins.

In addition to its comprehensive nutritional content, breadfruit also has a very high yield . In its place of origin, the yield of breadfruit per mu can reach 400 kilograms per year. Residents of the place of origin only need to plant two breadfruit trees to meet the food rations of one person for a year, and only need to plant 10 breadfruit trees to meet the food rations of a family for a year. The leaves of breadfruit trees have a high crude protein content and good palatability, and can also be used as green fodder for livestock. In the local area, breadfruit seedlings convey good wishes for the future - "a life without worries" and "bread will be there".

At this point, you may wonder why few people in China have eaten breadfruit, which is so nutritious and has such high yields . According to research data provided by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, breadfruit is a typical tropical crop with high requirements for light, temperature, water and heat. However, China's tropical zone is located on the northern edge of the tropics, with limited planting conditions. The lack of good varieties, good seedlings and supporting technologies is an important factor restricting the development of China's breadfruit industry.

In June 2023, we received good news. With the breakthroughs made by the scientific research team in varieties, seedling breeding and cultivation technology, the first batch of breadfruit planted in Xinglong South Bridge, Wanning and Yongxing Island, Sansha has borne fruit and achieved a high yield. The development prospects of breadfruit are considerable, providing a new way for my country's food security and food sources, and also adding a new crop type to increase farmers' income, increase agricultural efficiency and increase rural greening.

The breakthrough of my country's breadfruit industry from 0 to 1 has not only enriched the food variety in tropical areas, but also enhanced the reserve capacity of emergency food. I believe that in the near future, breadfruit will enter the public's field of vision and contribute to ensuring national food security and promoting green agricultural development. Science and technology are not far away, they are around us.

Source: Hainan Province Science Popularization Explanation Competition 2024. Reproduction without authorization is strictly prohibited!