Raw Ukwa (breadfruit seed)

Description

Breadfruit seeds are encased in a large football-sized, oval to oblong fruit. The fruits typically have a prickly, yellow-green to yellow-brown skin coloring, but their appearance may vary depending on the specific variety. Underneath the surface, the flesh ripens into a soft, creamy, and starchy consistency, containing many brown seeds. The seeds have an oval, oblong, to irregular shape with a slightly pointed end, averaging 5 to 10 centimeters in length, and are enveloped in a protective brown shell, sometimes with dark striping. Just below the hard outer surface, there is a thin, parchment paper-like covering, and the seeds have flattened sides, giving them an angular appearance. The central portion of the seed is cream-colored to ivory. Breadfruit seeds must be cooked to be considered edible, as the raw nuts will contain a bitter flavor, and once cooked, the seeds soften, developing a subtly sweet, nutty, and mild flavor.

Breadfruit seeds are a good source of carbohydrates to provide energy to the body and copper to maintain optimal nervous system functioning. The seeds also provide fiber to regulate the digestive tract, niacin to assist the body to process food into energy, vitamin B6 to maintain an active metabolism, and contains lower amounts of vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, thiamine, and folate.

Reference: Breadfruit Seeds Information, Recipes and Facts (specialtyproduce.com)