Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, belonging to the mulberry family. It is native to South and Southeast Asia and is widely grown in tropical regions like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Appearance:
- Size: Can weigh from 3 kg to over 30 kg.
- Outer Skin: Thick, green, and spiky.
- Flesh: Inside contains multiple yellowish pods, each with a large seed.
- Texture & Taste:
- Ripe jackfruit tastes sweet and has a fruity flavour similar to mango and banana.
- Unripe jackfruit is used in curries as a vegetable and has a texture like meat, making it a popular vegan meat substitute.
Nutritional Value (per 100 g of ripe jackfruit):
- Calories: 88 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~23 g
- Protein: 1.7 g
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Vitamin C: ~13–14 mg (about 22% of daily need)
- Potassium: ~448 mg
- Magnesium & Calcium: Present in moderate amounts
- Antioxidants: Flavonoids, carotenoids, and lignans
Health Benefits:
- Boosts Immunity – Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Good for Digestion – High fibre content helps prevent constipation.
- Supports Heart Health – Potassium helps control blood pressure.
- Energy-Rich Fruit – Natural sugars (fructose and sucrose) provide quick energy.
- Strengthens Bones – Contains magnesium and calcium.
- Regulates Blood Sugar – Has a low glycaemic index compared to other tropical fruits.
- Vegan Meat Substitute – Unripe jackfruit is used as a plant-based alternative to meat.
