Jackfruit: The Giant Superfruit of the Tropics

Jackfruit (scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a remarkable tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia. Often dubbed the “jack of all fruits,” jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and has gained international attention for its versatility, nutritional value, and culinary uses—especially as a plant-based meat substitute. With its spiky green exterior and sweet, aromatic golden flesh, jackfruit is as fascinating as it is flavorful.

Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," is also home to one of nature’s most versatile fruits — the jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). Once undervalued and left to ripen in backyards, jackfruit has undergone a remarkable transformation in Kerala, emerging as a superfood and economic opportunity. The state has even declared jackfruit as its official state fruit in 2018.

Origins and Distribution

Jackfruit has its roots in the rainforests of the Western Ghats in India and has been cultivated for thousands of years across tropical regions of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Today, jackfruit trees thrive in other tropical parts of the world, including Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, and even parts of southern Florida.

Botanical Description

• Scientific Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
• Family: Moraceae (same family as figs, mulberries, and breadfruit)
• Size: Jackfruit can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh between 10 and 80 pounds.
• Tree Height: Jackfruit trees can grow 30 to 70 feet tall.

Each jackfruit is made up of hundreds of individual flowers, and its edible parts include fleshy bulbs (called “pods”) and seeds enclosed within a fibrous matrix.

Nutritional Value

Jackfruit is a nutritional powerhouse. A 100g serving of raw jackfruit provides:

• Calories: ~95 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Vitamin C: 13.7mg (about 15% of daily needs)
• Potassium: 448mg
• Antioxidants: Rich in flavonoids, phytonutrients, and lignans

Jackfruit seeds are also edible and high in protein, potassium, and resistant starch, making them excellent for gut health.

Culinary Uses

Jackfruit is unique in that both its unripe and ripe stages are edible and used in entirely different ways:

Unripe Jackfruit (Green Jackfruit)

• Texture resembles pulled pork or shredded chicken
• Used in curries, stir-fries, tacos, burgers, and BBQ dishes
• Popular in vegan and vegetarian diets as a meat substitute

Ripe Jackfruit

• Sweet and fragrant, with a flavor between banana, mango, and pineapple
• Eaten fresh or used in smoothies, ice creams, desserts, and jams
• Seeds can be roasted, boiled, or ground into flour

Cultural and Economic Importance

In countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, jackfruit is not just a food but a cultural staple. It’s celebrated in festivals, folklore, and regional cuisines. In Kerala, for instance, jackfruit is the state fruit and is used in traditional dishes like chakka varatti (jackfruit preserve) and idichakka thoran (tender jackfruit stir fry).

In recent years, jackfruit farming has gained attention as a climate-resilient crop. It requires minimal maintenance, tolerates drought, and yields large quantities of fruit, making it an ideal solution for food security in tropical regions.

Health Benefits

• Boosts Immunity: High vitamin C content supports immune function.
• Aids Digestion: Dietary fiber helps regulate the digestive system.
• Heart Health: Potassium helps control blood pressure.
• Antioxidant Properties: Fights oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Energy Boosting: Natural sugars provide quick energy.

Sustainability and Future Potential

Jackfruit is increasingly being recognized as a superfood and a sustainable alternative to meat. As the world searches for eco-friendly food sources, jackfruit offers an exciting opportunity:

• Requires fewer resources than livestock farming
• Can grow on marginal land with minimal water
• Provides food and income to rural farming communities

Fun Facts About Jackfruit

• One jackfruit can feed an entire family.
• The wood of the jackfruit tree is used to make musical instruments in India and Sri Lanka.
• In some cultures, jackfruit is considered auspicious and is included in ceremonial offerings.

Certainly! Here's a well-rounded article about the various jackfruit-based products being produced in Kerala, reflecting its traditional knowledge, culinary innovation, and economic potential.

🌿 Jackfruit in Kerala: From Backyard Trees to Global Products

Introduction

Today, Kerala is producing an impressive range of jackfruit-based products that cater to traditional tastes, modern dietary preferences, and global markets.

🛍️ Major Jackfruit Products in Kerala

1. Jackfruit Chips (Chakka Upperi)

• Thin slices of raw jackfruit deep-fried to golden crispness.
• A staple snack in households and widely sold in supermarkets and souvenir shops.
• Exported to GCC countries and Indian diaspora markets.

2. Dried Jackfruit

• Raw or ripe jackfruit slices dehydrated for long shelf life.
• Used as a healthy, fiber-rich snack.
• Ideal for diabetic and heart patients due to low glycemic index.

3. Jackfruit Flour (Chakka Podi)

• Made from raw jackfruit bulbs.
• Rich in dietary fiber; used as a diabetic-friendly alternative to wheat/rice flour.
• Used in dosas, idlis, rotis, and even baked goods.

4. Jackfruit Seed Powder

• Ground from boiled or roasted jackfruit seeds.
• High in protein and used in soups, gravies, and baked items.

5. Chakka Varattiyathu (Jackfruit Jam)

• A traditional sweet preserve made with ripe jackfruit, jaggery, and ghee.
• Base for many homemade snacks and sweets like "chakka ada" and "unniyappam".

6. Jackfruit Ice Cream & Dairy Alternatives

• Creamy jackfruit pulp used as a flavor base for ice creams and frozen desserts.
• Also explored in vegan milk and yogurt alternatives.

7. Jackfruit Pickle

• Unripe jackfruit preserved in spiced brine or vinegar.
• Popular in households and small-scale food industries.

8. Jackfruit Wine & Vinegar

• Fermented ripe jackfruit used to produce artisan wines and probiotic vinegar.
• Emerging in the value-added fruit product market.

9. Ready-to-Eat Meals

• Jackfruit Biriyani, cutlets, and jackfruit-based curries (as a meat substitute).
• Available as frozen or vacuum-packed meals, popular with vegans and vegetarians.

10. Jackfruit Leather (Fruit Roll)

• A chewy, sun-dried snack made from jackfruit pulp.
• Packed as natural energy bars, especially for children.

🏭 Industries & Startups

Several startups, farmer cooperatives, and women’s self-help groups (Kudumbashree units) are now involved in jackfruit processing. Notable names include:

• Jackfruit365 – Founded by entrepreneur James Joseph, offers freeze-dried jackfruit and flour for diabetic diets.
• Uravu Indigenous Science and Technology Centre (Wayanad) – Promotes sustainable jackfruit processing units.
• State Horticulture Mission – Provides subsidies and training for jackfruit-based micro-enterprises.

🌎 Export and Market Demand

• Kerala’s jackfruit products are being exported to USA, UAE, Canada, UK, and Australia.
• Increasing demand for vegan, gluten-free, high-fiber food products fuels international growth.
• The jackfruit’s use as a meat substitute has created opportunities in plant-based food sectors.

🛤️ Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

• Short shelf life of fresh jackfruit.
• Lack of organized supply chain and cold storage.
• Need for standardization and branding.

Opportunities:

• Value-added products for health-conscious consumers.
• Agro-processing tourism and local entrepreneurship.
• Integration into midday meal schemes and nutrition programs.

Conclusion

From sweet chips to diabetic-friendly flour, jackfruit has become a superfood success story in Kerala. Its transformation reflects not just agricultural potential but also Kerala’s cultural richness, innovation, and sustainable approach to food. With continued support from the government, entrepreneurs, and researchers, jackfruit may well become Kerala's next big export — a symbol of resilience, health, and eco-conscious living.

Jackfruit is more than just a massive tropical fruit—it’s a symbol of abundance, sustainability, and innovation. Whether you’re biting into a sweet jackfruit dessert or savoring a spicy jackfruit curry, this superfruit continues to win hearts and plates around the world. With growing interest in plant-based foods and sustainable agriculture, jackfruit may very well be the food of the future.