Xagro expands plantation operations to include breadfruit in Nicaragua
The company will plant land that was previously deforested, said the company. Forty-five thousand trees will be planted, which will produce over 35 million pounds (15.9 million kg) of fruit each year. This will provide about 65% of the fruit needed for the company’s processing operation.
Breadfruit, a source of high-energy food, has been a staple in the Pacific for more than 3,000 years and is widely cultivated in the Caribbean and other tropical regions. A single tree can produce 330 to 440 lbs (150 to 200 kg) of food per year. The fruit contains calcium, carotenoids, copper, dietary fiber, energy, iron, magnesium, niacin, omega 3, omega 6, phosphorus, potassium, protein, thiamine, vitamins A and C.
Xagro started exporting fermented breadfruit in 2018, and in March 2019 expanded into frozen pre-cooked breadfruit tostones, French fries, and other specialty products.
“Tostones are typically made from plantain, we are making them from breadfruit, a starchy tree fruit that is low in fat, high in complex carbs, contains all essential amino acids and is gluten-free” explained CEO Ronald Ehli. “Not only will our new plantation provide us with a reliable fruit source, it is doing the environment good. We are turning deforsted land into a productive tree plantation.”
