Jack Fruit (Chakka)

Jack Fruit (Chakka)

Jackfruit tree is widely cultivated in India, South East Asian countries, Africa, West Central America and in some Caribbean nations.  In Kerala it is not cultivated by many but still it grows in large scale.  Most of the jackfruit trees in our compound (Around 20) are grown independently. It does not require even watering during infancy also. Due to plethora of jack fruits there are not much takers also so much so that people are not prepared to take even free of cost. Once a Gazatted Beggar (Those who do not accept coins but only notes) came to my house. I offered him a jackfruit.  He reluctantly agreed to take it provided I give him 2 coconuts also. (In those days coconut is added with almost every curry in Kerala). I cancelled the deal.  During my childhood I wish that an elephant comes to my house while going to temple for festival or returning from the temple after festival, so that we can give him lot of jack fruit.

Jack fruit is very nutritious It contains lots of carbohydrates, fiber, little fat and protein and lots of different vitamins and minerals.  Despite all these nutritious value, purity and being very hygienic, few people use it.  One reason is that converting jackfruit to curry or any other eatable is a tedious process and people are by and large and lethargic. Another reason is that people have an aversion to homely and natural food and prefer market food, fast food and superfast food, whatever unhealthy or poisonous it may be.  In our house we use only the tender portion of jackfruit (The portion covering the seed). In Delhi, if you buy 1 Kg of jackfruit, you will get only ¼ KG of that portion.  Roasted seeds of jackfruit are very tasty.  The other day I heard that in Qatar 1 Kg of Badam is being sold @ 64 Riyal where as 1 Kg of Jackfruit seeds are being sold @ 119 Riyal. A big salute to the jackfruit lovers.  Jackfruit is extensively used in making Jam, syrup, sauce, chutneys, candies, cakes, ice creams, chips etc. “Chakka Pradhaman” made with jack fruit with jiggery, coconut milk etc is one of the tastiest dishes of Kerala. Unfortunately many people may not have even tasted it as very few people venture to make it because of its tedious and lengthy process.  But remember good things and great joy one can get by hard work only.

The skin of the jackfruit is very thick. Hence it is not easy to adulterate or use pesticides or chemicals over it. Further in view of the low cost of the item in Kerala, nobody makes any attempt to adulterate-even the hard core adulterators.  Politicians or those who have newly joined politics can consider eating the skin of jackfruit to acquire the basic quality of a politician-thick skinned.

Jack fruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Indonesia. Its health and medicinal properties are immense. It optimizes immune function, it is a high energy source, maintain blood pressure and cardio vascular health, improves digestion,  help to prevent cancer and piles, contains lot of Vitamin A for vision, protects and improves skin, slow down ageing, beneficial for Asthma patients, good for bone health, combat deficiency of RBCs and improves quality of blood.

The wood of the jackfruit tree is very strong and beautiful.  Furniture made of jackfruit tree is much sought after item. Its colour is so natural and it does not require painting. In other words, if you paint it, it will lose its charm. It is extensively used in making the body of many musical instruments like Veena, Mridangam, Thimila, Kanjira etc.

I appeal to my all friends and others to realise the importance of Jackfruit and start extensive use of this hygienic nutritious product and feel proud in our own products. A big salute to all Jackfruit lovers.

All the jack fruit lovers are humbly requested to share this for the information and benefit of their own family members, relatives, friends and the common man. I will feel obliged for your magnanimity in the larger interest of the country.   

Note: Photo courtesy Lekha