Celebrating 225 years of the Breadfruit

Several varieties of the Jamaican breadfruit plant and tasty dishes prepared from the popular staple will be on display at the Institute of Jamaica's (IOJ) annual Heritage Fest, scheduled for the IOJ, 10-16 East Street, Kingston, today.

The one-day event, being held under the theme 'Celebrating 225 years of the Breadfruit: From Bligh to Roast 'n' Fry', will also feature a panel discussion, a concert, a culinary competition, heritage tours, exhibitions, and booths.

Nicole Patrick Shaw, deputy director of the IOJ, said that the event is being held to commemorate the breadfruit's arrival in Jamaica.

"The breadfruit is part of our history. It is a diverse fruit that has so much potential as an economic product [and] as a medicinal product," she said, adding that it is among the "unique resources within our environment that we can utilise to our benefit".