Ingredient Insight: Maui Brewing releases Liquid Breadfruit in classy, specialty format bottles (but only in Hawaii)

Gimme!

I drink my Maui brew in cans, man. Grabs me a Manna Wheat. Get all laid up on the couch in just my Umbros, and I dream about crushing the island life in Hawaii while strumming my (um) little ukulele. Sometimes, I wish I could fancy that daydream up a little, and the other day I got real excited to see Maui Brewing Co. releasing some sweet, new 750-ml bottles of something called Liquid Breadfruit. Then I got instantly bummed when I noticed that this tropical fruitiness (and its Champagne-sized portion) will only be available in the Hawaiian market — and even there it has narrow availability at both Maui Brewing locations in Kihei and Lahaina.

Bummer, man.

Originally brewed in 2012, Maui Brewing Co. again partnered with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery incorporating the Delaware brewery’s native DNA yeast. The imperial golden ale is brewed with toasted papaya seeds to give mild bitterness, and notes of pink peppercorn and ‘ulu (breadfruit) to lend rich tropical fruit character with hints of fresh baked bread. From the press release:

“Dogfish Head is proud of our collaboration with Maui Brewing Company on Liquid Breadfruit. Beer has often been described as liquid bread. And our use of indigenous breadfruit, papaya seeds, and experimental hops come together in a tropical triangle that makes this beer like nothing else on earth. As enticing and memorable as the island itself,” wrote Sam Calagione, President & Founder, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.

What the hey is breadfruit anyway?

Breadfruit, which is a traditional staple in Hawaii, has a high-quality protein and a potato-like consistency when cooked, packing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. According to the press release:

According to Diane Ragone, PhD, Director of Breadfruit Institute | National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai, “Breadfruit is a very versatile fruit which can be used so many ways: soups, salads, baked goods, fries, entrees, appetizers, snacks, and more. It’s very exciting that Maui Brewing is expanding the use of this crop and supporting farmers and regenerative agriculture in the islands through its production of Liquid Breadfruit. Looking forward to enjoying the beer with some ‘ulu chips!”

Don’t rub it in our faces, Diane. Jeeshhh…….