Scientific Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Common Name: Jackfruit
Fun Facts
- The Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit, celebrated for its diverse uses and tropical appeal.
- Size and Weight: Can weigh up to 80 pounds and reach a length of up to 36 inches, making it the world's largest fruit.
- Ancient History: One of the oldest cultivated fruit trees, with evidence of being grown in India for thousands of years.
- Trunk: Sturdy with rough, dark brown bark; can grow to a significant height.
- Leaves: Large, oblong, and glossy; vibrant green and leathery.
- Fruit: Enormous, oblong or oval; green to yellow bumpy rind; inside, it's filled with sweet, aromatic, and yellow or orange flesh and large seeds.
- Flowers: Small, emerge directly from the trunk and branches, both male and female flowers present on the same tree.
- Surface: Spiky green or yellow outer skin
- Flesh: Yellow, stringy, and segmented
Growth Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, deep, and fertile soil; thrives in loamy, sandy, or clay soils with good moisture retention.
- Preferred Climate: Prefers warm temperatures, around 7795°F (2535°C); sensitive to frost.
- Light: Requires full sun for optimal growth.
- Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods; important to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Propagation: Typically grown from seeds, though grafting and budding are also common.
Benefits and Uses
- Eaten both ripe and unripe; the flesh is used in desserts and savory dishes, seeds are boiled or roasted.
- Known as a meat substitute in vegetarian cuisine, with its unripe flesh mimicking the texture of pulled pork.
- Common in curry, tacos, and as a meat substitute
- Used in both sweet and savory dishes around the world.
- Rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and an excellent source of dietary fiber.
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Potassium helps manage blood pressure
- High fiber content aids in digestion and prevents constipation
- Traditional uses include treating digestive issues, skin problems, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- The timber is valuable, durable, and used in construction and furniture making.
How to Prepare Jackfruit
How to Prepare Jackfruit
- Cut in Half: Carefully cut the fruit in half lengthwise.
- Remove the Core: Cut out the tough core at the center.
- Separate Pods: Remove the stringy fibers and extract the pods of flesh.
- Seed Removal: Remove seeds from pods. Seeds can be roasted or boiled separately.
Storage
- Whole Fruit: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
- Cut Fruit: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Frozen: Can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Purchasing Tips
- Look for firm, greenish yellow skin with a strong, fruity smell.
- Avoid overly soft or too hard fruits with brown patches.