Jackfruit /Artocarpus heterophyllus/ is one of 60 species of evergreen trees in the family. The home of Jackfruit is India. It is often referred to as Indian breadfruit.
The fruit is one of the largest edible fruits that can grow on trees. It has excellent nutritional properties and very low price in India, so it's also called "bread of the poor." In South India, jackfruit is a very popular food that joins mango and banana in total annual production.
Apart from India, Jackfruit grows in Thailand and Brazil. Translated, it means to aid support. In the past, the tree was planted near the house, and its seeds are used as a powerful talisman. An interesting fact is that the fruit can weigh up to 34 kg and be the same size as a human head.
Often the fruit is up to 90 cm in length and almost 60 cm circumference. The tree itself is also very large, sometimes like a giant oak, which grows to 15-20 feet tall. Only two or three trees can feed a family for several years.
Composition of Jackfruit
Fruits of the Jackfruit contain lots of foodstuffs- contain about 40% carbohydrates /more than bread/. In composition, ut includes phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A and C. 100 g of Jackfruit provides 95 calories.
Selecting and storing Jackfruit
It is extremely perishable and perhaps this is one of the main reasons for not reaching some markets. When tapped, ripe Jackfruit issues a dense sound.
Conversely, green fruit issues a hollow sound. There are many unpleasant odors and are therefore prohibited for introduction in some countries. But the core smells very nice and the taste is defined as somewhere between banana and pineapple.
Culinary use of Jackfruit
Jackfruit is juicy, slightly stringy in structure. All parts of the plant, including the adhesive coating contains latex. Therefore, best is to use rubber gloves or coat your hands with sunflower oil during fruit section. The fruit is eaten fresh, boiled or fried. Pealed Jackfruit is included in various desserts and salads.
Prior to boiling, the Jackfruit is cut into pieces. In the pressure cooker, large pieces need 10 minutes and smaller ones- about 7 minutes. Jackfruit can be used to make exotic soups and main dishes. In India, Jackfruit is boiled with sugar, butter and coconut milk. Unripe Jackfruit is used as a vegetable - combined with all kinds of meat.
Benefits of Jackfruit
Besides a pleasant exotic taste, Jackfruit has some valuable health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and protects against viral and bacterial infections. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that are the main culprits for cancer and early processes of aging.
Jackfruit is known for its ability to relieve indigestion and helps with stomach ulcers. In addition, the content of a high amount of fiber in the fruit prevents constipation and increases bowel activity.
Vitamin A in Jackfruit keeps your eyes and skin in perfect health. The fruit contains simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that gives an almost instant energy boost. Jackfruit does not contain cholesterol and saturated fat, making it extremely useful. High levels of potassium in the fruit help to lower blood pressure.
