It's the jackfruit season again. From 'chakka varattiyath' to 'payasam' to chips, it is a key ingredient in many iconic Kerala dishes.
Jackfruit is not only delicious but also nutritious, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Its health benefits, combined with its culinary versatility, make it a beloved ingredient in Kerala cuisine. Ripe jackfruit is often eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and jams. Unripe jackfruit is commonly used as a meat substitute in savoury dishes. The seeds of the jackfruit are also edible and can be boiled, roasted, or used in various dishes.
Cutting jackfruit can be a sticky affair, but with the right technique, it becomes much easier. Let us help you out to get rid of the sticky sap as you enjoy a bowl of luscious jackfruit bulbs that taste like they are dipped in honey.
Working with jackfruit can be messy, so it's a good idea to protect your work surface and wear gloves if you prefer.
Removing stickiness from jackfruit can be a bit tricky, but here are some methods you can try:
1. Oil: This is the most popular hack being used in Kerala households. Coat your hands and knife with coconut oil or grease before handling jackfruit. This can help prevent the sticky sap from adhering to your skin and tools. Vegetable oil or cooking spray works well for this purpose. You can use cotton dipped in oil to rub off sap stuck on your palms and vessels.
2. Rubbing alcohol: Dab a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe your hands and knife with it. Rubbing alcohol helps dissolve the sticky sap.
3. Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip your hands or knife in this solution before and during cutting the jackfruit. The acidity in vinegar can help dissolve the sticky sap.
4. Lemon or lime juice: Rubbing your hands with lemon or lime juice can help remove stickiness. The citric acid in these fruits breaks down the sap.
5. Salt: Sprinkle some salt on your hands and rub them together before and after handling jackfruit. Salt can help absorb moisture and reduce stickiness.
6. Baking soda: Make a paste using baking soda and water. Rub this paste on your hands and knife before and after cutting jackfruit. Baking soda can help neutralize the stickiness.
7. Warm water and soap: Wash your hands and knife thoroughly with warm, soapy water after handling jackfruit. This helps remove any remaining stickiness.
8. Use gloves: Wear disposable gloves while handling jackfruit. This not only prevents stickiness but also keeps your hands clean.
Remember to clean your knife and cutting surface immediately after cutting jackfruit to prevent the sap from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.
With practice, you'll become more adept at handling this unique fruit. Enjoy your freshly cut jackfruit!