Description: Jackfruit grows on trees and is oval shaped. They have a thick and prickly green skin. When the jackfruit is opened one finds the round fruits contained in ‘pockets’ in a fibrous interior. The flesh is pale yellow and tastes sweet and has a sweet odor. The seeds are also edible and taste similar to chestnuts.

Season:

Year-round.  The main fruiting season is in summer and fall. Some fruit may ripen at other times, but usually not in winter and early spring.

Where It Grows

Jackfruit is not widely cultivated but may be found in Brazil, Jamaica, the Bahamas, south Florida, and Hawaii. The jackfruit is native to Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

How it Grows

The Jackfruit tree grows erect, evergreen, and is a fairly large tree, 30 to 40 feet tall. Leaves are dark green and oval shaped. All parts of the leaf contain a sticky white latex. Short, stout flowering twigs emerge from the trunk and large branches. The jackfruit is moderately large to very large, weighing from 10 to 60 pounds.  The number per fruit varies from 30 to 500. The time from flowering to fruit maturity ranges from 150 to 180 days.

Did you know?

• Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Indonesia.
• Often called the “rice tree” as this starchy fruit is a a good substitute for rice.
• Unripe Jackfruit has a remarkably similar texture to chicken, making jackfruit an excellent vegetarian substitute for meat.
• Jackfruit serves as an excellent protective agent against viral and bacterial infections due to the presence of Vitamin C in it. In addition, this fruit is known to strengthen the immune system by improving the condition of white blood cells.
• The extract of jackfruit is known to treat various skin problems, diarrhea and fever.
• The roots of jackfruit are extremely beneficial for people suffering from asthma. A concoction prepared by boiling its roots is a good remedy for wheezing and other respiratory problems.