Chakka or Jackfruit, the humble backyard fruit has been declared the official fruit of Kerala. It’s ironic that this fruit which was largely ignored by the state where it grew in abundance should now be catapulted to official status. More amazing is how the fruit shot to overnight stardom, thanks to the sudden discovery of its immense medicinal potential.
Malayalis now hug the fruit to their heart ever since the scientific finding that the tender fruit (idichakka) can effectively curb the blood sugar spurt in diabetic patients. Hence, the fruit which was ignored and left for birds and maggots to feast on, has become an overnight superstar.
It’s been estimated that in its productive season, there’s an output of more than 28 crore jackfruit in the state with Malayalees consuming just about 2.1 per cent of it.
The scenario has now changed with multinationals flooding India to source the wonder fruit in their bid to cash in on the craze for and immense money-making possibilities of jackfruit. It’s again ironic that the fruit which was left to decompose in backyards and by the roadside has now become scarce and dear in a state which has always been its home.
The market now quotes between Rs 60 and Rs 100 for a single fruit. Cross the seas to the Gulf and pay up to Rs 5,000 for a large fruit. But it’s the idichakkas that fetch a lot more, for they are the real sugar inhibitors. It’s the idichakkas again that go into the making of food supplements and health drinks. The eastern regions of the state are now working overtime to load jackfruit into lorries to be transported to all parts of the country.
Others states too have become aware of the taste and touch of jackfruit and they have put the fruit to good use by making value-added products out of it and adding it to their rich list of recipes. Jack-jaggery sweet and spicy jack roast are now on the menu of star hotels.
It’s been largely due to the efforts of agencies like the Jackfruit Council and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra that jackfruit has been elevated to the status of an exotic fruit and also a prized market commodity.
A fruit for all seasons
The all-season fruit protects the environment too. Rough estimates have put the state’s jackfruit output at 36 lakh tonnes per year with the best season falling between April and July.
Land of jackfruit
Thailand and Vietnam are the other countries where the fruit grows abundantly. In Kerala, Ernakulam takes the first place and Tripura stands first in India’s jackfruit production.
A vitamin source
The fruit is again a rich source of vitamins A,B,C, potassium and iron. Though it’s quite low in fat content, it’s high in fiber. Regular use of the raw fruit brings down the sugar content in diabetics. The hard outer cover is also effective in bringing down cholesterol levels, say experts.
Products from jackfruit
Some of the products made from the fruit are: Jackfruit chocolate, toffee, barfi, dried fruit, powdered fruit, dried ripe fruit, jackfruit thera, pappadam, chakkamadal achar, idichakka pickle, idichakka cutlet, idichakka laddoo, jackfruit kumbilappam, jelly, chakka vattal, jackfruit sip-up, ice cream, powdered jackfruit seeds, jackfruit fry and a host of other items. The thorns of the fruit are chopped into small bits and boiled, the water of which is ideal for drinking.
Research centres in the state have successfully tried out more than 200 attractive varieties of edible products made from jackfruit.
Expert speak:
As Kerala holds the unfortunate distinction of having the most diabetic patients in the country, it’s here that the fruit’s medicinal properties need to be highlighted and given due importance. The demand for the fruit should, therefore, be the highest in the state, where it’s also produced in large quantities. Farmers have also started getting higher returns from the fruit. The price has jumped from Rs 5 a kg to Rs 8. The fruit sells at Rs 20 and Rs 30 a kg in vegetable stalls and supermarkets.
- James Joseph
Former Director, Microsoft India.
Founder of jackfruit365.com
Read more: This wonder jackfruit diet will curb diabetes and shed weight
