Most Americans have never tasted breadfruit.
At Grimal Grove, the first breadfruit grove in the continental United States, 70 guests got that chance.
Chef Sam Choy brought the flavor. The Food Network star from Hawaii created a menu filled with breadfruit dishes, using precooked pana (breadfruit) from Puerto Rico, donated by Raquel de Jesus of Finca Panapén. Guests imbibed breadfruit vodka from Mutiny Island Vodka and even breadfruit wine.
Before dinner, Dr. Russell Fielding of Coastal Carolina University led a walk through the grove. The author of a new Breadfruit book, he shared stories from around the world. Breadfruit is not just food. It is history. It is culture. It is survival and innovation across generations.
As the sun set, fire dancers from the Drums of Polynesia lit up the grove. Their performance honored the Pacific cultures that first carried breadfruit across oceans.
For many guests, the evening was eye-opening.
“The event brought breadfruit entrepreneurs, researchers, foundations, and farmers together to showcase this amazing fruit,” said Grimal Grove owner Patrick Garvey. “Many attendees arrived knowing little about breadfruit and left with a deep appreciation for its significance.”
For Trees That Feed Foundation, this is the goal.
“We have been planting breadfruit trees in more than 20 countries since 2009,” said co-founder Mary McLaughlin. “It was a joy to dine on Chef Choy’s breadfruit creations under breadfruit trees at Grimal Grove. Part of our mission is spreading awareness of the benefits of breadfruit.”
That awareness is growing.
In Key West, Dr. Fielding also spoke at the Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Key West Art & Historical Society. Both events drew strong interest. Americans are curious. They want to learn. And they want to taste. This matters.
When more people understand breadfruit, more people buy it. That demand supports farmers, nurseries, and food businesses in tropical, underdeveloped countries. It leads to more trees planted. More food on tables. More income in communities. A cleaner environment.
One tree can feed a family for decades.
As we saw in Florida last week, one event can spark something bigger.
