EURO GREEN TRADING

It’s Trendy. It’s Tasty. It’s Jackfruit

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, capable of weighing in at 100 lbs. While not yet well-known in the U.S., it has been widely cultivated in Southeast Asia for centuries, where it’s a dietary staple prized for its purported therapeutic benefits.
A tall, evergreen plant with glossy, oblong leaves, the jackfruit tree is common to South India. Although the jury is still out on the origin of the jackfruit tree, it is widely believed to be indigenous to the humid mountains of the Western Ghats of India.

Jackfruit nutritional value (raw, 100g)

Calories 95
Total fat 0.64g
Saturated fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 2mg
Total carbohydrate 23.25g
Dietary fibre 1.5g
Sugar 19.08g
Protein 1.72g
Vitamin A 110IU
Vitamin C 13.7mg
Calcium 24mg
Potassium 448mg
Iron 0.23 mg

Jackfruit nutrition facts (ripe, 100g)

Calories 302kcal
Total fat 0.15g
Sodium 1.62mg
Carbohydrate 14.01g
Fibre 3.62g
Protein 2.74g
Vitamin C 6.73mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 0.01mg
Calcium 35.03mg
Potassium 279mg
Phosphorous 23.02mg
Iron 0.36mg

When and how to introduce jackfruit to your baby

Almost all parents are cautious about what they feed their baby. And, when it comes to the jackfruit, it does not figure in the list of foods which parents would generally give their baby. The tough exterior and the fibrous flesh could probably be the reason. But, should babies be kept away from this nutritious fruit which boosts energy levels and promotes good health?
According to medical experts, babies should be exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months after birth. Solids can be gradually introduced thereafter. However, as far as jackfruit is concerned, it is recommended to introduce it in a baby's diet only after the child is one year old. And, the flesh should be removed and cut into very small pieces or made into a purée to prevent choking.
While giving jackfruit, parents should remain alert and observe their baby for allergic reactions. Children allergic to birch pollen may be sensitive to jackfruit. Also, parents should be cautious about the quantity of jackfruit they feed their child. Feeding too much could cause diarrhoea.

Jackfruit benefits during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period when the mother-to-be requires good nutrition and care. While certain foods are recommended, some considered 'hot' or 'cold' become a part of taboo foods. So, should pregnant women make jackfruit a part of their diet?
Jackfruit is a storehouse of nutrients. In pregnant women, jackfruit helps regulate hormones, promotes foetal development, normalises blood pressure and boosts immunity. However, it could also cause stomach upsets, high blood sugar levels and allergies.

Jackfruit side effects

There are two sides to every coin, and this applies to consuming jackfruit as well. While eating the fruit confers numerous benefits, health concerns may also arise in some cases. Some side effects of eating jackfruit are:

Increase in coagulation in those suffering from blood disorders.
Allergic reaction in individuals suffering from birch pollen allergy.
Change in tolerance levels of glucose in those suffering from diabetes.
In individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, jackfruit seeds can have an immune-stimulatory effect.
Eating jackfruit at night can make an individual feel sick the next morning, as it takes time for the body to digest the fruit.
Overconsumption of jackfruit can cause a stomach upset.

Interesting facts about jackfruit

It is the national fruit of Bangladesh.
The word jackfruit originated from the Portuguese word 'jaca' which, in turn, is derived from the Malayalam word 'chakka'.
The jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit.
In a year, a single jackfruit tree can produce more than 200 fruits.
You can eat jackfruit either ripe as a fruit or raw as a vegetable.
Jackfruit tree wood is fungus and termite resistant. It is used in making jewellery, furniture, musical instruments, doors and windows.
The leaves are used as fodder for livestock.
Jackfruit root extract is used to cure fever and asthma. So, from roots to leaves, every part of this tree is useful.