Pineapples and Hawaii may go together like leis at a luau, but there's a far less iconic fruit growing in the South Pacific that Hawaiians have revered for generations. The 'ulu, also known as breadfruit, is considered a symbol of resilience, perseverance and security because the nutrient-dense, fiber-rich fruit can provide a lifetime of nourishment. Legend has it the 'ulu first appeared during a period of famine when Kū, the Hawaiian god of farming and fishing, transformed himself into an 'ulu tree to feed his family.
Other stories suggest the tree was brought to the island of Oahu from Samoa or Tahiti during the 12th century or that Hawaiian fishermen found it when they were blown off course and landed in the mythical realm of Kanaloa, the god of the sea. Whatever its origins, 'ulu has been a staple in the South Pacific for centuries. Its name means "to grow" in Hawaiian.
"'Ulu is so hearty and versatile," said Michelle Grove, a registered dietitian nutritionist and regional director of dietary services for Hawaii Health Systems Corporation's West Hawaii Region. "It has a great nutrient profile and can be used in many different recipes, from sweet to savory." The fruit, which can grow as big as a small basketball, has numerous nutritional benefits, she said.
"Because it's a complex carbohydrate, it has a good amount of fiber, so it's lower on the glycemic index. It slows digestion; helps to keep you fuller longer." It contains nearly three times the fiber contained in bro.
