The Legend of the Breadfruit Tree

The legend about the origin of the Breadfruit Tree, tells of a time of great famine brought on by devastating hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean. It was during this time that an island inhabitant, a wise older man, took his children to the outskirts of the town.

When they reached a considerably distant spot, the man asked his children to bury him there and then return to the village. The young men did exactly as he requested.

(Read also: The Legend of the Cienaguero Alligator)

The next day, when they returned to the site, they found a tree in their father’s place, as he had transformed into the plant. His feet had turned into roots, his torso had become the trunk, and his head was now the succulent fruit that, from that moment on, would feed his family and the community, saving them from the terrible famine.

Origin of the Breadfruit Tree Legend

The Breadfruit Tree, also known as frutipán (breadfruit), has its earliest origins in the Indo-Pacific region and arrived in South America much later through European maritime voyages. Consequently, there are many legends and myths surrounding the origin of this tree in numerous countries, including the tale described above, which may have reached Colombia through these seafaring expeditions.

This legend is one of the stories told in the islands of San Andrés and Providencia about this fruit, which is one of the most typical gastronomic staples of this Colombian department. The ingredient is used to make Breadfruit Juice and the famous breadfruit arepas (traditional round flatbreads).