Fun facts about 5 trees that you may find in your own backyard

1. Breadfruit Tree 

The Breadfruit tree may sound like a made-up word to some, but if you are lucky enough to know about this nutritious fruit, you should tell your neighbors. Breadfruit is a starchy nutritious fruit that can be used to make a variety of different foods. The term breadfruit comes from the texture of the fruit when cooked and its flavor being suspiciously similar to a freshly baked loaf of bread.

When it comes to cooking breadfruit the options seem to be endless. This includes roasting, boiling, frying, steaming, making an entree, side dish, or even a dessert! So next time you see a breadfruit don’t be shy, pick up a recipe, and start cooking! 

2. Mango Tree

As we come to a close on this year's mango season we must look back and be grateful for this incredibly delicious fruit. With its one-of-a-kind sweet flavor, mangos are high in vitamins and minerals leaving them not just tasty but nutritious. While the mango fruit gets quite the love, there are other significant parts of the tree as well. Mango leaves are often used for medicinal remedies, mango wood can be used for making furniture, and the flowers on mango trees have a beautiful aroma that surrounds the tree.

Even though we won’t see more mango fruit till next season, the next time you see a mango tree give her a quick smell, you won't be disappointed. 

3. Avocado Tree

Mango season has come to an end but Avocado season is just beginning! Avocados are an iconic plant here on the islands and are known for their rich flavor and creamy texture. On top of being delicious, they also are a symbol for prosperity and abundance. Avocados definitely supply an abundance of options when it comes to how one shall enjoy them. This can include salads, sushi, your classic guacamole, and even sandwiches. This fruit is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Avocados are a cherished part of Hawaiian cuisine and thank goodness the season is almost in full swing! 

4. Cacao Tree

Ever wonder what chocolate is made of? Well, your answer is right here! A Cacao tree forms cacao pods and these large football-shaped pods contain beans. It just so happens that the beans are known to be the primary ingredient in your classic chocolate bar. There is a 10-step process to take these from the tree to the chocolate bar you buy at the store. These steps include harvesting, fermenting, drying, roasting, cracking, grinding, conching, tempering, molding/cooling, and lastly packaging. What a process!

This bean being the fundamental ingredient in chocolate makes it extra special to all the chocolate lovers of the world. So next time you see a chocolate bar think about all the hard work it took to get it from the cacao tree to your hands. 

5. Kukui Tree

The fascinating  Kukui tree is a culturally significant plant here on the Hawaiian islands. They are known for their longevity and can live for several decades. The oldest Kukui Trees have lived for over 100 years. These trees produce large amounts of Kukui nuts also known as candlenuts. The nuts are toxic when raw but after roasting or boiling them they make a great ingredient in traditional Hawaiian recipes.

The nut oil from the candlenuts is prized for their benefits to the skin and hair. Holding vital sources of fatty acids and vitamins they are often used in many skin and hair care products. The resources from the Kukui seem to be endless but sadly the trees themselves are not. This species is now fighting to restore its populations on the islands. The Kukui tree is in full on conservation mode and there are high hopes to restore the presence of this sacred tree.