Jackfruit
The Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a species of tree of the mulberry family (Moraceae) and its fruit, native to southwestern India, Bangladesh, Philippines and Sri Lanka, and possibly also east to the Malay Peninsula, though more likely an early human introduction there. It is well suited to tropical lowlands. It is commercially grown and sold in these countries, as well as imported around Australia. The English name jackfruit, one of many for the fruit, derives from Portuguese jaca, which is derived from Malayalam chakka. The jackfruit is the largest tree borne fruit in the world. Its fruit is seldom less than about 25 cm in is widely grown in South, Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It is also grown in parts of central and eastern Africa, Brazil, Suriname, and in islands of the West Indies such as Jamaica and Trinidad. It is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Indonesia. The jackfruit bears fruit three years after planting. The jackfruit has played a significant role in the Indian agriculture (and culture) from time immemorial. Archeological findings in India have revealed that jackfruit was cultivated in India 3000 to 6000 years ago. Findings also indicate that Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great (274 - 237 BC) encouraged arbori-horticulture of various fruits including jackfruit. Varahamihira, the Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer wrote a chapter on the treatment of trees in his Brhat Samhita. His treatise includes a specific reference on grafting to be performed on trees such as jackfruit Jackfruit is commonly used in South and Southeast Asian cuisines. It can be eaten unripe (young) or ripe, and cooked or uncooked. The seeds can also be eaten cooked or baked like beans; they taste similar to chestnuts. The leaves are sometimes used as a wrapping for steamed Idlis. Unripe (young) jackfruit can also be eaten whole. Young jackfruit has a mild flavour and distinctive texture.
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Location: india
Photo credit: © Travel India / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
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Keywords: artocarpus, asia, bark, botany, de, food, heterophyllus, india, jackfruit, jacque, jacquier, la, latex, le, magnoliophyta, magnoliopsida, moraceaeartocarpus, plantae, pomme, rosales, tree
