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Across the world, jackfruit is being hailed as a superfruit. Its texture makes it a sought-after meat substitute in an era where veganism is on the rise. Its versatility makes gives people ample choices for dishes and suddenly, it’s popping up on supermarket shelves and menus in every country. But in India, jackfruit has always been king. In fact, the name itself is our doing originating from the Malayalam ‘Chakka’, which Portuguese scholar, Garcia da Orta translated as ‘jaca’ in 1563 which went on to become Jackfruit in English.
Jackfruit is a fruit that has been an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture for centuries. Also known as Kathal, its origins can be traced back to Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala dating back around 3,000-6,000 years according to food historian KT Achaya. This large, spiky fruit has had a fascinating history in India, having been used for a variety of purposes over the years.
Jackfruit has always been an important part of Indian culture. It has been used for medicinal purposes, as well as a source of food. In fact, the jackfruit tree is considered a sacred tree in some parts of India, and it is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.
Over the years, jackfruit has been used in various ways in Indian cuisine. It is a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used raw, semi-rip, ripe, sweet, savoury, dried, or fresh, anything will do! In South India, jackfruit is used to make a variety of dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and desserts. Even the seeds of the jackfruit are also used in cooking, and they are often roasted or boiled and eaten as a snack.
One of the most popular dishes made with jackfruit is the Kathak Biryani. This dish is a favourite in South India, and it is made by cooking jackfruit with spices, rice, and vegetables. The result is a delicious, flavorful dish that is enjoyed by people all over the country.
Another popular way to use jackfruit is to make jackfruit chips. These chips are made by slicing the jackfruit thinly and then deep-frying the slices until they are crispy. Jackfruit chips are a popular snack in South India, and they are often served with tea or coffee.
In addition to being used in food, jackfruit has been used for medicinal purposes in India. The fruit is believed to have a number of health benefits, including the ability to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Jackfruit is also high in fibre, which makes it a good choice for people looking to improve their digestive health.
Despite its popularity in India, jackfruit has not always been well-known outside the country. In fact, it was only in recent years that the fruit gained international recognition. In 2017, the jackfruit was declared the national fruit of Bangladesh, and it was hailed as a "superfood" by many health experts.
The rise in popularity of jackfruit has led to a surge in demand for the fruit, both in India and abroad. This has been a boon for farmers in the country, many of whom rely on jackfruit as a source of income. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to promote jackfruit farming in India, and the government has even launched a Jackfruit Mission to encourage the cultivation of the fruit.
Jackfruit has a rich history in India and has played an important role in Indian cuisine and culture for centuries. This versatile fruit has been used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury, and it has also been used for medicinal purposes. With its rise in popularity in recent years, jackfruit has become a valuable commodity for farmers in India, and it is likely to continue to be an important part of Indian culture for years to come.
