The Mother of all fruits the Jack Fruit ( National fruit of Sri Lanka) – By Prashanth Sentilkumar
Source : Prashanth Sentilkumar Linkedin
Scientific Name – Artocarpus heterophyllus
Synopsis –
The Jack fruit tree bears the largest fruit out of all trees found, some fruits weigh as much as 55 kg (120 pounds) in weight, and around 90 cm (35 inches) in length.
Generally, a mature jackfruit tree can produce close to 200 fruits per year, some even bearing up to 500 fruits. The jackfruit is a multiple fruit which is made of hundreds to thousands of individual flowers, and the fleshy petals found inside are the unripe fruit that are eaten. The ripened fruit is sweet (depending on variety)
Sri Lankan Jackfruit –
Jackfruit was Introduced to Sri Lanka by Arthur V. Dias in 1918 which was brought down from Malaysia. It know has become native and is found in many backyards. It is Sri Lanka’s National Tree. Jackfruit thrives mainly in the wet zones, and it yields a good harvest.
Varieties of Jackfruit in Sri Lanka –
The varieties that are found are Fatherlong, Maharagama, Kothmale, Hirosh, Mandoor and Singapore or Ceylon Jackfruit.” there is also a general classification which is divided into two called ‘Vela’ and ‘Waraka’ it depends on the texture of the flake. Vela jackfruit has a soft and rubbery texture while the Waraka has a crunchier crisp texture.
Food –
As food the florescence, young fruit, mature starch-rich fleshy perianth, starch-rich seed, and perianth of the ripe fruit can be used at any stage of the ripining process. In Sri lanka we have Jackfruit curry which is also called gata polos maluwa .
It is used as an alternative for rice or accompanies rice dishes. It can be eaten boiled and also steamed. it is also eaten as an exotic sweet fruit when ripened a bit similar to pineapple (not as acidic).
The seeds are eaten either boiled, roasted and cooked in dishes also grounded and used in various dish preparations, among vegetarians and vegans, it constitutes as an alternate for meat and are used in many dishes. Also Jam, marmalades, jellies, and ice creams are made.
Health Benefits –
It has antioxidants, helps to improve digestion, has medical benefits like anticancer components and also helps to reduce high blood sugar.
Business associated –
In the production level when it comes to the farms or a native who has a tree, the produce can go to the consumer directly as a producer, or through traders, and middlemen, which will also include wholesalers and retailers.
Also, you find flour, noodles, Papadam, and ice cream.
The Jackfruit Bark is used in many areas of carpentry, for Furniture and household items, if you go to state timber corporation you find tables, and chair sets made of Jackfruit tree.
Globally the Fruit is exported for consumption, as furniture, household products and are sent as canned food in sugary syrup, or frozen, also cleaned and packed as dry food and dry food chips. The global jackfruit market currently is valued at USD 311.71 million in 2022.
It is a precious gift from Nature.
