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From an exotic fruit to a sustainable staple.
Towering trees with lush green foliage, the rainforest vibrant and alive, pulsating with an abundance of life, serving as a sanctuary for countless species, among them being the largest tree-born tropical fruit in the world. This is Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) belonging to the family Moraceae, believed to be indigenous to Southeast Asia, especially India and Bangladesh. The term “jackfruit” was coined by Garcia de Orta in his 1563 book Coloquios dos simples e drogas India. (Colloquies on the Simples and Drugs of India) during his long stay in Goa.
The taste of jackfruit can be described as a delightful combination of tropical flavors. When you take a bite of ripe jackfruit, your taste buds are greeted with a burst of sweetness that is reminiscent of juicy, ripe tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and banana. The sweetness of jackfruit is balanced by subtle hints of tanginess, which add a stimulating zing to its flavor profile. Jackfruit contains dietary fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B-complex), and minerals (like potassium and magnesium). "It's a miracle. It can provide so many nutrients and calories – everything," says Shyamala Reddy in an article with The Guardian, "If you just eat 10 or 12 bulbs of this fruit, you don't need food for another half a day.” The fruit is rich in energy, vitamins and free from saturated fats or cholesterol, making it a healthy summer fruit.
“It's a miracle. It can provide so many nutrients and calories – everything. If you just eat 10 or 12 bulbs of this fruit, you don't need food for another half a day.
However, it is intolerant to frost and susceptible to prolonged drought. It is commonly grown in polycultures systems in homesteads, roadside plantations, and hilly tracts. Moreover, the large size of jackfruit can make it challenging to handle and prepare. Cutting open a mature jackfruit requires effort and careful handling due to its tough and spiky exterior.
The taste and flavor of jackfruit can vary depending on its ripeness. While ripe jackfruit has a sweet and tropical flavor, unripe or young jackfruit has a milder taste and may not offer the same level of sweetness.
It is often labeled as a poor man’s fruit merely describing it as a putrid, wild, unharvested pest plant. In India, where I live, the most popular preparation is jackfruit curry, known as "Kathal Curry" which I find delicious. The jackfruit absorbs the flavors of the spices, resulting in a delightful and tender dish that resembles the texture of meat when cooked.
Known as the poor man’s fruit, jackfruit is currently viewed as a marvel food of South and south-east Asia as it is probably going to save a large number of individuals from starvation when significant staple harvests like wheat, corn and rice would be in danger from environmental change. As per the World Bank and the United Nations, climbing temperatures have proactively diminished yields of significant harvests and could prompt food battles for many years. Presently specialists say jackfruit could assist with answering the possible food emergency.
The demand for jackfruit has been growing steadily. It has gained significant popularity in the vegan community as it offers a versatile and plant-based alternative to meat. It is primarily consumed as a fruit or used as an ingredient in specific dishes rather than being a central component of daily meals. In many cultures, it is seen as a fruit to be enjoyed when it is in season rather than a staple food that forms the basis of daily meals.
But, jackfruit isn’t just a starvation fruit.
It can potentially contribute to food security, sustainable agriculture, economic opportunities, and environmental conservation. Entrepreneurs have been exploring different ways to utilize jackfruit, including making jackfruit chips, jams, preserves, and even vegan meat substitutes.
Jackfruit is grown and cultivated economically in over 60 countries, especially in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.
The flexibility of the jackfruit is tremendous and can possibly save the world. A jackfruit tree can live for a considerable length of time and bear 100 to 250 pieces consistently. Since the current varieties of the plant can't survive on wet soil, it is necessary to begin large-scale cultivation of jackfruit, especially on high ground, because the fruit is likely to be used as a supplement for staple crops.
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