The once neglected jackfruit has been declared as Kerala’s official
The nondescript jackfruit which was at best associated with a feeling of nostalgia for many has suddenly found itself being the centre of attraction. In a surprise move, the Kerala government declared the good old jackfruit as the sta
te’s official fruit on March 21. Ever since that, the renewed interest has also seen a sudden rise in the fruit’s popularity.
Jackfruit is among the most widely
produced fruits in Kerala, but the state is yet to tap its full potential. The decision to declare jackfruit as a state fruit is seen as a way to give
fillip to the production and sale of the fruit as well as its value-added pro
ducts. According to agricultural department, the government plans to distribute jackfruit tree saplings among locals to grow in their backyards as part of its plans to expand its cultivation. Apart from this, the government also conducts a yearly jackfruit fest to popularize the fruit. The aim is to have at least one jackfruit tree in the backyard of every house in Kerala.
By now, the organic and nutritional values of the fruit is well established at home and abroad. But there was a time when the fruit was not given due attention as it was freely and lavishly available. It was not until the medicinal properties of the fruit as a cure for diabetes was discovered that the demand for the fruit saw a spike. India being ranked as one of the top three diabetic countries, alongside US and China, meant that the fruit was once again in demand.
“Last year, I was declared Type 2 diabetic by the doctors. The body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. I was completely dependent on insulin. Never was a fan of jackfruit till a doctor friend suggested me to include jackfruit in my diet and I could see a huge difference. Sugar level is normal and insulin dependence is low and with exercise, I feel energetic,” says Sara Kuriakose, a software engineer.
This robust fruit contains a healthy dose of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 falls into a category along with folic acid and vitamin B12 that helps reduce heart disease. The seeds contain a high portion of dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation and is also a good means to keep the weight gain in check. The fruit also contains bone-building magnesium and calcium, which helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, or even osteopenia, which is the onset of osteoporosis. So many nutritional values in one fruit is indeed a rare combination and points to the miracle that nature is.
Sreedhar Kumar, Chef at Travancore Palace, Alleppey says, “Jackfruit contains high nutritional value and is healthy. Its seeds contain high fibre which can be used in curries and cutlets. The seeds can also be powdered and used in making breads. The fruit is used in jams, juices, ice-creams as well as the world-famous jackfruit chips. All over the world, jackfruit has gained popularity.”
The large green colour fruit with stubby bumps has finally got its due. The organic fruit which is also found in Thailand is once again in demand the world over. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the once neglected fruit has now become the new super food!
(The author is a Chennai based freelance journalist.)
