Jackfruit, the new favourite among exports from Kerala, India, lets find out why
Jackfruit is lovingly called Chakka/Chakka Pazham in Malayalam, a language spoken in the southernmost part of India called Kerala. A state fruit of the state of Kerala, Tamil Nadu in India, Jackfruit is at last getting its due recognition. A complete meal in itself, Jackfruit has prevented many families from hunger in Kerala for years, in spite of the harsh monsoons and months without resources due henceforth. No doubt it became the basis of a word of mouth which goes as “if there is a jackfruit tree in the backyard one needn’t worry of the seasons”.
As with the case of any culture, Indian folklore has the Jackfruit tree attached to its storyline. In Kerala, the myth surrounding the jackfruit tree is related to the birth of a deity named “Vishnu Maya”, and a Manipuri myth has a sacred jackfruit tree with carvings of the Indian deity “Sree Krishna” over it. Either way Jackfruit has been a part of daily life in Kerala and over years metamorphosed into various delicacies in local cuisines.
Researchers have pinned down the Western ghats of South India as a birthplace of this sweet, nutritious fruit. A distant cousin of Mulberry and Fig, Jackfruit is the biggest fruit on earth, the biggest of which weighing around 50-55 Kilograms. Jackfruit is also considered as one of the first fruits to be cultivated and that too around 3,000 to 6,000 years back in time.
Jackfruit, the Superfood?
Unlike other fruits, Jackfruit is literally a fruit basket, which one needs to cut open to savour the sweet yellowish flesh, that distantly tastes like a combination of bananas and mangoes. Another distinct feature is that this fruit is equally good whether consumed ripe or unripe, unripe Jackfruit is often consumed after cooking. Jackfruit seeds too are edible when cooked and taste like chestnuts. There are a variety of delicacies and snacks made out of these seeds.
Tender Jackfruit
From a nutritional point of view, jackfruit has three-fourth of its weight water, almost one-fourth carbohydrates, traces of fat, so less that its negligible and adequate amount of fiber. A beautiful composition, which can enable one to go at a fat free, energy rich, slow absorbing food.
Fiber, which is in abundance, would see to it that the food is absorbed slowly and upon consumption it gives a sense of fullness. This in turn will help Diabetes patients in managing their sugar levels.
In addition, this fruit is rich in all the alphabets associated with Vitamins, with Vitamin C being the highest, followed by Vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9, so on and so forth.
Jackfruit is rich in Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus and Sodium, with traces of Zinc, Iron and Manganese. Now this should definitely qualify this fruit as a superfood.
A regular consumption of Jackfruit can help with improving immunity, the abundant minerals can help in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases, contains antioxidants that can be helpful in fighting cancer, the calcium content aids in the prevention of osteoporosis, and the fiber content improves digestion. Abundance of vitamin C may help in slowing the aging process. Lately Jackfruit has gained attention worldwide and is considered as a vegan meat substitute for sweet or savory dishes.
Jackfruit Seeds
Jackfruit seeds are a treasure trove of nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants like phenolic compounds and possess antibacterial properties against E.Coli. It contains prebiotics (like oligosaccharide and nonreducing sugar) that help gut bacteria stimulation which in turn would be beneficial for maintaining the intestinal microbial balance. There is empirical evidences that suggests that powdered Jackfruit seeds could be used in diabetes treatments.
Jackfruit, the varieties
Jackfruit can be broadly classified into two varieties varikka and koozha, as they are locally known in Kerala. Varikka have a firmer type which is crisp, have more flesh as against koozha, which has a softer type, has more moisture, but less fleshy. Then-varikka (Honey Varikka) is a well sought after variety of the fruit in Kerala, it’s a sweet version that literally melts in one’s mouth and whose mere smell can give one’s taste buds crave for a munch.
Other varieties found across in Kerala are, Muttom Varikka, Srilanka jack (a variety from Srilanka) and Sindhoor (a golden yellow fleshed, high sweet variety).
How to savour a jackfruit...
Jackfruit, being very versatile, can be consumed both raw or cooked. Unripe jackfruit has a neutral flavor and hence pairs well with savory dishes. It can be part of vegetarian curries, in place of chickpeas or tofu. Its ability to imitate a barbecue meat sandwich is one of its profound merits. Having a stringy fibrous texture makes it a good vegan substitute for chicken or even pulled pork. Having less proteins, cooked unripe fruit, can be mixed with fish curry or meat dishes. For vegetarians, cereals and pulses can go hand in hand with cooked cuisines of jackfruit.
Ripe jackfruit is great for desserts, thanks to its sweetness. With yogurt or oatmeal it tastes great and would make a balanced diet. Smoothies could be another option.
It would be worthwhile to note that the white, fibrous part found inside the jackfruit is incredibly sticky, applying a cooking oil to the knife and on hands would remove this stickiness or one can wear gloves while handling it.
Jackfruit can be considered for almost all chicken based recipes, replacing them or complementing them. Jackfruit BBQ is gaining prominence in European nations. Jackfruit is being exported worldwide from Kerala, with the US and UK demands increasing day after day.
Vegans/Vegetarians, here's a meat substitute
Vegetarians and vegans often use jackfruit as a meat alternative, thanks to its texture. Combine it with vegetables and seasonings, for a heavenly taste. Lately it has found its place in vegan pizzas, nuggets, sandwiches and burgers in Europe and the US. It can as well be combined with tacos. In Northern India, jackfruit kebabs and biryanis are also favorites, which traditionally would have had chicken or other meats in its place.
Jackfruit Pizza
Jackfruit Nuggets
Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Burger
Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit Hamburger
Jackfruit seeds can be fire roasted/grilled or boiled and enjoyed as a snack. They can be incorporated into curries as well and can be used to make hummus. In Kerala during its season, Jackfruit have a place in all servings, round the clock. Here are a few delicacies made out of Jackfruit in Kerala.
Traditional Kerala Cuisines with Jackfruit
Chakka Puzhukku
One major preparation of jackfruit in Kerala is the chakka puzhukku. ‘Puzhukku’ in traditional terms is a dish prepared by boiling tuberous vegetables like tapioca, yam, colocasia or unripe fruits like jackfruit or banana along with coconut and other spices, which is absolutely delicious and healthy.
Even though it is often served as a side dish to the Kerala meals, at times this dish replaces breakfast. In certain locales it even replaces rice in lunch and/or dinner. In central Kerala it is also used as a tea time snack. When served with a combination of sulaimani (black tea) chakka puzhukku is mind blowing.
Chakka Varatti or Jackfruit Preserve
Chakka Varatti or Jackfruit Preserve is made with ripe jackfruits, ghee and jaggery. This preparation is made for storing jackfruit for use in off season. “Varatti” part in the name specifies that the item is prepared by removing all the moisture content.
This preparation can be used as spreads with a variety of breads and can be used as a side dish with various foods.
Chakka Pradaman or Jackfruit Dessert
Chakka pradaman is a type of dessert often called payasam prepared from either ripe jackfruit or from chakka varatti. It is a very sweet dish often mixed with coconut milk or coconut chips.
Chakka Upperi or Jackfruit Chips
Chakka upperi or Jackfruit chips are a very famous tea time snack in Kerala prepared by deep frying half-ripe jackfruit flesh. It is a very sweet, delicious and healthy snack.
In addition to these, Jams and ice creams are as well prepared from Jackfruit. Jackfruit seed chips and cutlets too are very popular in Kerala.
For Keralites across the globe, Jackfruit is more than a fruit, it has a lot of nostalgic childhood memories attached to it. There is no wonder that Jackfruit is largely exported to areas with heavy Keralite inhabitation especially in the Middle East, the US and the UK, among other places. But lately non Keralites too have started to realize the nutritional value and the unique taste of this superfood. This too is contributing heavily to soaring exports of Jackfruit to the afore said countries.
For any export related queries for Jackfruit (both dried & fresh), to any country, contact concordgreenprojects.
Try Jackfruit, if...
If one is looking for a vitamin/protein rich, meat equivalent, fat less food, one can undoubtedly consider this magic fruit as a part of their diet.
If one is keen on reducing their weights, the heavy fiber content of Jackfruit, would help in proper digestion and would render a feeling of fullness which in turn would help in reducing food intake.
If one is a diabetes patient and is having a craving for a safe but tasty fruit. Jackfruit being a food with low glycemic index (GI), thanks to its high fiber content which prevents blood sugar spikes after consumption, would satisfy one’s taste buds without sweetening their blood.
If ever one doesn’t belong to any of these categories, one can give it a try for the sheer taste and its great texture.