Jackfruit or Artocarpus heterophyllus, also known as jack tree, is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family (Moraceae). It is a native of South and South East Asia.
A mature jack tree produces some 200 fruits per year, with older trees bearing up to 500 fruits in a year.The jackfruit is a multiple fruit composed of hundreds to thousands of individual flowers, and the fleshy petals or sheath surrounding the the unripe fruit are also eaten. Both ripe and unripe fruits are consumed.Ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet, with a flavour that is a combination of pineapple- mango and banana. Itis more often used for desserts.
While the green jackfruit ( before complete ripening) has a whitish pulp and mild taste with meat-like texture that lends itself to being called a "vegetable meat" and is cooked as a vegetable in gravies or spicy curries.
Jackfruit has amazing health benefits that after reading this you'd want to have a quick bite of the yummy fruit.
The fruit is rich in vitamin A, B3 and C. Thus good for eye health, combatting anemia and boosting immunity. It is also a great source of dietary fiber and helps cure digestive disorders like constipation.
Jackfruit is an excellent source of phytonutrients which promote healthy skin and complexion and have anti-aging properties and the ability to protect against cancer.
The fruit is also a rich source of iron and has the capability to reverse anemia.
Jackfruit is a healthy, energy rich fruit snack that has no saturated fat or cholesterol and makes for a guilt free dessert.
It is also packed with magnesium, which helps your body absorb calcium and thus also good for bone health.
Jackfruit is rich in copper and a tasty way to promote a functioning thyroid.
For people with diabetes, this super sweet fruit is actually safe to consume. When you eat jackfruit, it absorbs sugar into the bloodstream slowly and at the same time, it increases glucose tolerance for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
The vitamin B3 in Jackfruit is an essential nutrient ideal for lowering the ‘bad' LDL cholesterol while maintaining the ‘good' HDL cholesterol. It also reduces the level of triglycerides. In turn, consuming jackfruit can lessen your chance of cardiovascular risks.
The wood of this amazing tree is popular for making musical instruments owing to its fine acoustic properties.
The jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and the state fruit of the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is available internationally canned or frozen and in chilled meals as are various products derived from the fruit such as noodles and chips.
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