Jackfruit – the Largest Fruit in the World

Jackfruit is the fruit of the Jack tree (a tropical fruit tree in the Moraceae family that is a relative of breadfruit, mulberry, and fig trees). It is considered the largest fruit in the world. Its size can reach 43 inches (110 centimeters) in length and weight up to 77 lbs (35 kg). This fruit is also called kanun or Indian breadfruit due to its high nutritional value and starch content. The trees themselves can reach 115 ft (35 meters) in height. Jackfruit trees mature for 4-7 years before yielding and can produce fruit for 30–60 years. The tree itself can live up to 100 years.

Jackfruit grows in Southeast Asia, South America, Africa and the Philippines. India is considered its homeland. The ripeness of the fruits is determined by knocking on them. If the sound is dull, it means the fruit is ripe. The ripening season lasts from November to August. Jackfruit trees will produce 150- 200 fruits per year. The fruit is picked in the summer and fall before they fall off the tree.

What does jackfruit taste like?

Jackfruit tastes sweet, with a bright, even slightly cloying aroma. Many people note that this smell is reminiscent of fruit chewing gum. The same notes are detected in the taste.

The taste of jackfruit is sometimes described as having notes of banana, some feel the sourness of pineapple, and some even say that it is something between a melon and a potato.

How to eat jackfruit

Ripe jackfruit can be eaten fresh. To do this, just remove the peel. Inside, the jackfruit consists of pulp and, as it were, small isolated fruits or fragments of fruits inside.

If the jackfruit is not fully ripened it is cooked. Pieces of the fruit can be baked, fried, stewed and served as a side dish or added to baked goods.

Jackfruit from an Ayurvedic point of view:

Rasa (taste): sweet when ripe, astringent when unripe.

Properties: cool, unctuous, difficult to digest.

Pacifies Vata and Pitta

Aggravates Kapha

For those with strong digestion, like Pitta or Pitta-Kapha, jackfruit can be used to reduce inflammation and provide energy.

For those with Kapha digestion it should be well-spiced and taken as part of a balanced meal, to encourage digestion.

For Vata people or those with weaker agni (digestive fire), jackfruit should be taken in smaller quantities or avoided until the digestion is strengthened.

Rita (Seasons for consuming): It makes it ideal for a hot summer’s day but is best avoided during the chill of winter and early spring.

Constituents:

• Flavonoids
• Fiber
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Polyphenols
• Potassium
• Protein
• Vitamin C

Effects on the body:

• Quenches thirst

• Relieves bowel burning

• Helps by diarrhea

• Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts

• Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy

• Stimulates and wakes up the body

• Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach

• Strengthens and nourishes

• Restores function through strengthening tissue

• Soothing the skin

• Reduces inflammation in the body

• Strengthens and tones the heart

• Hemostatic. Stops bleeding

• Rebuild electrolytes

• Cools the body

• Muscle tonic

Side effects: When used in excess, jackfruit can cause constipation.

TODAY’S TIP: Jackfruit is the state fruit of Kerala. The trees are usually grown organically without the application of additional care and farming practices. In the US, jackfruit may be found in south Florida and Hawaii.