Locally grown breadfruit (‘ulu) will be served in a tortilla with kalua pork and spinach in school cafeterias statewide. - Photos: Department of Education

Public school lunches in March featured ‘ulu, or breadfruit, as part of the ‘āina Pono Harvest of the Month program.

“We want to connect our keiki to the ‘āina and food grown in Hawai‘i,” said School Food Services Branch Administrator Albert Scales, who noted the program helps schools return to their island roots.

‘Ulu, an important staple in the ancient Hawaiian’s diet, was combined with shredded kalua pork and spinach to make a local style burrito, served with homemade salsa. The meal may have been the first time trying ‘ulu for some students.

The Department of Education provided the recipe from Sinola Hawaiian Tortillas to try at home. Here’s the recipe:

Photo: ‘Ulu Wrap

‘āina Pono Farm to School Recipe:

‘Ulu-licious Wraps

Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork butt
  • 2-1/8 teaspoon Hawaiian salt
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 3/4 cup + 3-1/2 tablespoons water
  • 1 pound frozen spinach
  • 1 pound breadfruit
  • 12 pieces (8-inch) tortilla

Directions

  1. Season pork with Hawaiian salt and liquid smoke.
  2. Cover with foil.
  3. Steam for 6 hours at 350° F degrees.
  4. Shred pork.
  5. Save liquid from pork.
  6. Drain excess liquid from frozen spinach, and heat.
  7. Cut breadfruit into 1/2-inch cubes and steam till fully cooked.
  8. Place pork and spinach into tortilla and top with breadfruit.
  9. If you are pre-wrapping burrito, heat after wrapping. If serving open faced, heat prior to assembling.

Nutrition information for ‘Ulu-licious Wraps, per serving (1 piece): 366 calories; 20.4 g fat (7.4 g saturated); 28.5 g carbohydrate; 4.4 g fiber; 15.3 g protein; 718 mg sodium.

(Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. Nutrient levels may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients, etc. Value of the menu item is listed in grams (g) of carbohydrates rounded to the nearest whole number. While we do our best to ensure accuracy, we make no representation or warranty regarding the information contained in this document. Although we are providing nutritional information for our menus, the information in this document is for informational purposes only. No information, services or materials offered shall be construed as or understood to be medical advice or care.)