I’ve eaten breadfruit, also known as Artocarpus altilis, for years and didn’t know that it could be used to make a drink similar to smoothie. One day a nice elderly Caribbean lady offered me a glass of breadfruit punch while visiting her. I was a bit hesitant but decided to try it, and to my amazement, it tasted really delicious. If you don’t have a blender and want to try making this drink, check out the steps below.
You’ll Need:
- 1 Green or half-ripened breadfruit
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Can or 1 cup Condensed milk (Sweetened milk). Add sugar if not sweet enough.
- 1 Teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks
- 2 Teaspoons vanilla
- 2 Tablespoons rum or Red Label wine (optional)
- Strainer
- Whisk or mixer
Directions for Breadfruit Punch
- Wash the breadfruit thoroughly and dry it.
- Slice it in half or four parts.
- Remove and discard the middle part, which is called the breadfruit heart.
- Cut the breadfruit into small slices.
- Peel the skin off (the green rough outer layer)
- Cut them in about 2 inch pieces.
- Add 5-6 cups of water to a pot with the breadfruit, cinnamon stick/bark, and salt.
- Boil until soft enough to crush.
After the breadfruit is properly boiled, drain off the water and set it aside to cool. You will need the water to make your breadfruit punch.
Mash the boiled breadfruit while it’s still warm, since it’s easier to crush while warm.
Add the liquid from the pot as you mash, then use a mixer or a whisk to help bring it to a smoother texture. You will still see lumps but that’s okay for now.
Pour the mix through a big strainer to remove any lumps then add the other ingredients (spices, condensed milk, and rum or wine). Your breadfruit punch should now be rich, creamy, and tasty. Serve chilled with or without a straw.
This is my way of making breadfruit punch without using a blender. Add this new drink to your Thanksgiving table this year and have your guests talking about it for a very long time.