Supplies of breadfruit into the United States have been increasing this month as the lengthy season gains momentum. Volume is reported to be quite steady as suppliers face little pressure from weather in the growing regions, especially at this time of year when hurricanes and other tropical weather systems pose minimal threat.
"All of our breadfruit comes from the Dominican Republic and the season has just started," noted Wilson Dominguez of WP Produce in Florida. "They also arrive from Jamaica but we are not involved with that. While breadfruit grows all year round, supplies slow down in January and February, but we should now expect a steady supply right through to the end of the year. They grow well in the warm conditions of the Caribbean with only strong winds - usually from hurricanes - typically causing damage."
"Each fruit is individually wrapped"
WP Produce ships breadfruit in containers together with some of their other specialty produce items they import from the Dominican Republic. Dominguez said the company receives between three to five pallets per container every week. He also noted that each fruit is carefully handled in order to avoid causing any damage.
"We ship breadfruit in containers with a mix of other produce that we source from the Dominican Republic, including sour oranges and green skin avocados. Each piece of fruit is individually wrapped in a sheet of paper before placing into the boxes, which are 30 - 35lb in weight. This helps to prevent scarring and also to protect the fruit from any cold temperatures when inside the container. The weight varies because they are quite a large piece of fruit, about double the size of a softball. Breadfruit has a shelf life of two weeks when kept at a temperature of 45 degrees."
Larger-sized fruit in higher demand
As Dominguez noted, breadfruit is rather large but they do vary in size, with larger sizes typically in higher demand. Overall demand for the fruit is growing with WP Produce increasing its imports to cover a wider area. The fruit is often enjoyed cooked or seasoned with spices.
"Right now, demand is slowly picking up as more volume enters the market," Dominguez shared. "We ship them locally, but also now reach along the East Coast as far as the New York and Boston markets. The flavor is subtle, so people tend to mix breadfruit with seasonings and spices. They also roast them and even stir-fry them with other foods."
For more information:
Wilson Dominguez
WP Produce
Ph: +1 (305) 326-8333
wilson@wpproduce.com
www.wpproduce.com