What is a Jackfruit?
Have you ever spotted a giant, spiky fruit in the grocery store and wondered what it was? It’s probably a jackfruit, an unusual and exotic fruit from the Moraceae family, which also includes breadfruit. Jackfruit trees (Artocarpus heterophyllus) can grow up to 80 feet tall with a thick trunk and branches that start near the ground. They are native to tropical regions like India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
Jackfruits are known for their enormous size, with an average weight of around 35 pounds. They have a thick, rubbery rind covered in short, blunt spikes. Inside, the fruit is packed with up to 500 seeds, and all but the rind and core are edible.
Growing Jackfruit Trees
If you’re interested in growing jackfruit trees, you’ll need to live in a humid tropical or near-tropical climate. Jackfruit trees are very sensitive to frost and drought, so they won’t do well in areas that experience cold winters or long periods of dryness.
They prefer rich, deep, and well-drained soil. They need a constant source of moisture, but their roots cannot tolerate being waterlogged. Altitudes over 4,000 feet above sea level are not suitable for jackfruit trees, and they also don’t like areas with strong or sustained winds.
Propagation is usually done through seeds, which have a short shelf life of only a month. Germination takes three to eight weeks, but you can speed it up by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours. Once the seedlings have four leaves, they can be transplanted, although their long and delicate taproot can make this challenging.
Jackfruit Tree Care
Jackfruit trees typically start producing fruit within three to four years of planting and can live for up to 100 years. Their productivity declines as they age.
Fertilize your jackfruit tree regularly with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. The ratio should be 8:4:2:1, and the amount should be adjusted based on the age of the tree.
Other jackfruit tree care includes removing dead wood and thinning the canopy. Pruning can also help keep the tree at a manageable height for harvesting.
Harvesting Jackfruit
Jackfruits are ready to harvest when they turn a yellowish-green color and the spikes on the rind start to soften. To harvest a jackfruit, simply cut it from the tree using a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the fruit or yourself on the spikes.
Jackfruits can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Additional Information
Jackfruit trees produce a sticky latex that can irritate the skin. It’s important to wear gloves when handling the fruit or the tree itself.
Jackfruit is a nutritious fruit that is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can be eaten fresh, cooked, or processed into various products such as juices, jams, and candies.
If you’re looking for an unusual and exotic fruit to try, jackfruit is definitely worth checking out!
