The Jackfruit plant, or Artocarpus heterophyllus, is a majestic evergreen tree native to the Western Ghats of India. As one of the most widely cultivated trees in tropical lowlands, it is highly valued as a staple food source. The tree is notable for its large size, which can reach great heights, and its broad, glossy leaves, providing a lush, tropical presence and excellent shade.
The plant’s most celebrated feature is its fruit, the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. Weighing up to 80 pounds, jackfruits grow directly from the trunk and main branches. The fruit has a thick, bumpy, green-to-yellow skin. Inside, it is filled with sweet, yellow, fleshy bulbs surrounding a large seed. The taste is a unique blend of banana, mango, and pineapple, and the fruit has a powerful, distinct aroma.
Jackfruit plants thrive in hot, tropical climates with high humidity and well-drained soil. A single tree can yield hundreds of pounds of fruit. The unripe, firm fruit is a popular vegetarian meat substitute, used in curries and savory dishes. When ripe, the sweet bulbs are eaten fresh or used in desserts, ensuring the jackfruit plant’s role as a versatile and important crop.
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