The jackfruit, is a species of tree, and scientifically classified in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. It originated from regions between the Western Ghats of southern India and also from the rainforests of Malaysia. But are you aware of the interesting facts associated with Jackfruit – let us know them now:
1. Jackfruit derives its name from Portuguese word Jaca, which was probably a version of a name used in southern India, "chakkapazham." Jackfruit in India is known by kathal, as kanun in Thailand and nangkain Malaysia It is also known as jack tree, fenne, jakfruit, or sometimes simply jack or jak, and is a type of a tropical fruit.
2.Originating from the rain forests of the Western Ghats of India, Jackfruit tree spread towards other parts of India, Southeast Asia, the East Indies & the Philippines finally.
3.The Tree is often planted in central and eastern Africa and is quite popular Brazil and Surinam. Has the ability to grow in humid tropical and near-tropical climates.
4. Jackfruit cannot survive on cold climate and young trees may die at temperatures below 0 °C (32° F).
5.The common English name “jackfruit” was first used by physician and naturalist Garcia de Orta in his 1563 book named “Colóquios dos simples e drogas da India.” The book comprises series of 57 conversations between Garcia de Orta and an imaginary colleague, Ruano, who is visiting India and wishes to know more about its drugs, spices and other natural products.
6. Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh. In Brazil, the jackfruit can become a popular species as in Brazil’s Tijuca Forest National Park in Rio de Janeiro. The Tijuca is more or less an artificial secondary forest, planting of which begun around middle of the 19th century.
7. Jackfruit has good longevity and on an average the tree has a life span of 60 to 70 years. A fully grown tree has a decent size of 30 meters or nearly 100 feet, with diameter ranging 80 to 200 centimeters (2.6 to 6.5 feet). A mature jackfruit tree can produce about 100 to 200 fruits in a year.
8. Roughly 36 kilograms (80 pounds) in weight and up to 91 centimeters (36 inches) long and 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter, Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. The seed is 1.9 to 3.8 centimeters (3/4 to 1.5 inch) long and 1.3 to 1.9 centimeters (1/2 to 3/4 inch) thick. A single fruit may bear 100 or up to 500 seeds.
9.In Indonesia the ripened fruit is also used to make a variety of dishes, including custards, cakes, ice cream or mixed with shaved ice. The seeds from ripe fruits are edible, and those who consumed have felt a milky, sweet taste.
10. Consuming Jackfruit has various medical advantages such as contribution in improving health of our hair, eyesight in addition to prevention of indigestion and anemia. Similar advantages are reducing inflammation, improvement in health of heart, strengthening of immune system and fighting wrinkles etc. Jackfruit provides 95 calories in 100 grams and is rich source for vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. It is a very good source of vitamin A and B-complex vitamins Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The fruit also important in providing minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese.
11. Archeological studies reveal that jackfruit was cultivated in India roughly 3000 to 6000 years ago.
