Jack fruit is a tropical fruit, which belongs to the mulberry family and genus Artocarpus heterophyllus. Jackfruit is known for its mega size and its strong aroma. The tree is evergreen and has separate male and female flowers. The fruit can weigh up to 27 kilograms.
High yielding
On an average, each tree can yield around 250 fruits in the season, which usually starts from March and lasts till July. Only 30 per cent of the fruit is edible. Every 100gm of jackfruit yields 88 calories of energy. Jackfruit is low in protein and fat. It also contains fairly good amounts of carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, miacin and Vitamin C.
Other nutrients present in the jackfruit are fibre, calcium and iron. Jackfruit seeds are also nutritious, but they contain a powerful enzyme inhibiter (carbonic hydrase) which can sometimes cause stomach upsets.
The pulp of the young fruit is cooked as a starchy food and also pickled or canned in brine. The ripe fruit is eaten fresh or is made into numerous delicacies including jam, jelly and chutney.
Jackfruit in coconut (serves 4)
Ingredients
Thick flesh of matured jackfruit (shredded) 20 cleaned & seeded
Mustard seed – half tsp
Large onion chopped - 1
Garlic crushed - 1 clove
Cumin – quarter tsp
Turmeric - quarter tsp
Green chillies chopped - 2
Curry leaves - a few
Coconut dessicated - 2 tbsp
Salt - to taste
Preparation
Heat oil in a frying pan on moderate heat, add mustard seeds and fry for 2 seconds only. Then add onion and fry until golden brown.
Add garlic, cumin, turmeric, shredded jackfruit, chillies, curry leaves, dessicated coconut and salt. Stir well.
Cover it and cook over a low fire for 5 minutes. Remove lid and continue stirring until jackfruit is cooked and water has been absorbed.
Serve hot with rice or chappathi.
Jackfruit fritters
Ingredients
Ripe jackfruit (peeled and seeded) - 25 nos (chakka chula)
Flour - 1 cup
Milk - half cup
Egg yolk - 1
Cooking oil - 1 cup
Cumin seeds - quarter tsp
Gingelly seeds - 2 tsp
Preparation
Make batter using flour, milk and salt. Add crushed cumin and gingelly seeds.
Add beaten egg yolk and mix well. Split each fruit in half lengthwise. Heat oil in a frying pan.
Dip jackfruit in the batter and deep fry until golden brown.
