This 'Village' Fruit Is Predicted to Become Indonesia's Future Superfood

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - IPB University Professor Edi Santosa believes breadfruit has the potential to become a future food source and a local Indonesian superfood. He assessed that the fruit has high nutritional content, is environmentally friendly, and can adapt to climate change.

“Based on various studies and field observations, breadfruit meets these three criteria,” Prof. Edi said in a statement on Monday (13/7/2026).

Prof Edi explained that in terms of nutritional content, breadfruit has several advantages compared to other carbohydrate sources. The fruit is rich in fibre, has a lower glycaemic index, and contains vitamin C.

“A number of studies have also found vitamin A, folate, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) content, which play a role in helping meet nutritional needs and preventing stunting,” he said.

Prof. Edi stated that the nutritional content of breadfruit is also considered better than cassava. However, he stressed that each food ingredient has its own advantages, so they should not be compared.

Besides its nutritional value, breadfruit is considered superior because it can adapt to various environmental conditions. This tree plant can grow in areas with high rainfall as well as dry regions like East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“With relatively minimal care, breadfruit trees can still produce fruit almost all year round,” he said.

From an economic perspective, Prof. Edi assessed that breadfruit has great potential to be developed as a raw material for the food industry, especially in the form of flour. Breadfruit flour can be processed into various products, such as bread, noodles, and other processed foods, thus having the potential to expand both domestic and industrial markets.

Meanwhile, for the fresh fruit export market, he believes more massive promotion is still needed so that the international community knows how to process and consume breadfruit. He said the success of jackfruit penetrating the global market could serve as an example for the development of the breadfruit commodity.

Prof. Edi added that strengthening promotion, consumption culture, and industrial development are key to making breadfruit more widely known as an Indonesian superfood.

“Festivals or competitions based on breadfruit can be a step to increase its popularity. The mass media also has an important role in introducing breadfruit as an Indonesian superfood,” he said.