General - MAHAMAG Magazine beyond boundaries

Jackfruit Revolution

I’m the biggest fruit that grows on a tree

As sweet and aromatic as it can be

I hang from trunks and branches high and low

In hot and humid climate I grow,

Yes, I’m a Jackfruit.

Jackfruit; the largest tree borne fruit is as sweet as this nursery rhyme. The nutritional and medicinal property it has in it makes this fruit an incredible one.

The largest tree fruit in the world, reaching up to 100 pounds, but it’s not the fruit’s size that makes it so beneficial- it’s the nutrition. Jackfruit is high in Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and antioxidants all while offering a low carb snack or even the perfect vegan “pulled-pork” sandwich. It can be found dried and roasted, and can be added to soups, used in chips, jams, juices and even in ice cream, in addition to simply eating raw.

The seeds containing a ton of nutritional benefits, can be boiled, roasted or ground into flour. All this nutrition gives jackfruit some truly remarkable benefits on jackfruit and its medicinal values. Recently the researchers from Brazil have found out that the seeds of Jackfruit could substitute Cocoa

beans to make chocolate.

For instance, jackfruit benefits include the ability to enhance immunity, boost Mg levels, and improve digestion and more.

The fleshy bulbs of the fruit inside the fibrous innards hold round, chestnut like seeds that can be roasted or boiled. The fruit itself which has a strong, musky fragrance, can be eaten out of hand, blended into a smoothie, baked into dessert, mixed with shaved ice or dehydrated into a munchable snack.

When cooked and broken apart, the texture is similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken, which makes it popular with vegans and vegetarians who seek a meaty mouthfeel but find other plant based proteins such as tofu and Seitan unsatisfying.

The fruit has immunity raising property as well. Jackfruit is a rich source of antioxidants and Vitamins A, E and C which can help in speedy recovery from a disease as well.

Jackfruit is a good source of calories but contains no cholesterol or saturated fats. It is rich in antioxidants that protect from cancer, aging and degenerative disease. Due to rich antioxidants, it is good for eyesight and protect from conditions like cataract. It’s also a good source of Potassium

that maintains fluid and electrolyte level in balance. Also it improves bone and skin health. It helps maintain ideal blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

According to a research published in the Journal of the American Medical association, an estimated 45.4% of all deaths caused by heart disease, stroke and type2 diabetes are associated with our food habits. Sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, gums, Salty and Spicy foods, Red meats… all leads to death. The study also found that people who consume indigenous foods live longer. That’s the reason why the native Africans are much stronger than those who eat modern foods.

People in the Asian region has already identified that food items like Jackfruit, Custard apple etc. will help them live longer. That’s why those living in the Asian and Mediterranean regions have high life expectancy. It is a native of South and South East Asia. India, Bangladesh and Thailand are the biggest producers of Jackfruit. Different varieties of Jackfruit trees produce different yields per tree. India is the largest Jackfruit producer recording a production of 1.4million tons while; Bangladesh which considers jackfruit a national fruit is the second highest

producer recording a production of 926 tons. Other top producers are Thailand, Indonesia and Nepal.Golden Nugget, honey Gold, J 30 and J 31 are the top most varieties of Jackfruit. Black Gold, Cheena, Cochinand Lemon gold are some other varieties of Jackfruit that are available in our markets.

Jackfruit is a favorite research topic too. Many nations are conducting researches on jackfruit and its medicinal values. Recently the researchers from Brazil have found out that the seeds of Jackfruit could substitute Cocoa beans to make chocolate.

Dried out Jackfruits can be exported to foreign nations. The dried Jackfruit seeds can be used even as an energy drink.

In this new age of economy and culture, Jackfruit has lost its past glory. When people became addicted to fast foods, they boycotted Jackfruit. More than any other fruits, jackfruit is the fruit which has been rejected the most.

But it is glad that the third world nations are bringing back this fruit to markets. It is an unbelievable move from the part of third world nations which could even fascinate the agricultural economists. In terms of Jackfruit promotion, a major outbreak has already happened in the state of Kerala in India in the form of ‘Jackfruit Fest’.

Jackfruit is one fruit which could bring us back into our nature. With the consumption of Jackfruit, we could connect ourselves with nature and at the same time we could consume organic food. It will definitely have a reflection in our character too. When we became more attached to our nature, we will become calmer, quiet and compassionate. In this era, we are definitely in search of that kind of people. If such a revolution is possible through Jackfruit, then what are we waiting for?

There would be hardly anyone in the state of Kerala in India, who

would not enjoy a bowl of crisp jackfruit chips, fondly called ‘chakkavattal’ by Keralites. Once found in abundance at courtyards of homes,Jackfruits were an inevitable part of the Malayali diet.

Understanding the medicinal values of Jackfruit, India, the largest producer of Jackfruit in the world has set up Jackfruit Promotion Council which conducts several promotional events including Jack fest all over the country and abroad.

As a part of the council’s programmes, the agricultural University of the State of Kerala in India and the Agricultural Department of the state is going to conduct an international workshop on Jackfruit in November. The district, Wayanad in Kerala will host the workshop. The workshop will explore the various uses of jackfruit.

The six day programme aims to sensitizing the public on the commercial potential of the fruit. It will focus on value added production preparation from the fruit, scope of marketing and exports of Jackfruit products.

World renowned Jackfruit promoters and experts would participate in the workshop. As many as 17 experts from various countries would handle sessions on different aspects of the topics. The event would benefit this industry through knowledge and experience sharing.

This fruit is easy to grow. It survives pests and diseases and high temperatures and also it is drought resistant. It achieves what farmers need in food production when facing a lot of challenges under climate change.

Even though the tree has a lot to offer us, people often underestimate it. In case of nutrition, medicine, taste or anything that we expect from a fruit, Jackfruit has a contribution in all those must have properties of a fruit. That’s why a Jackfruit is a ‘Jack’ fruit. Jack of all trades, master of nothing!!

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