The origins of Jackfruit Day are unknown but the Independence from Meat Day is a great occasion to celebrate it. Jackfruit or jack tree belongs to the family of fig, mulberry and breadfruit trees. Native to the jungles of the Western Ghats of India and the rain forests of Malaysia.
It is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and the state fruit of Kerala and Tamil Nadu of India. So on Jackfruit Day , Discover East brings to you the benefits and some recipes of this multipurpose fruit.
Benefits of Jackfruit
- High Fiber content of the fruit helps in overcoming constipation related issues.
- Energy Boast is given by the carbohydrates in jackfruit. This makes it a very important part of the diet in under developed and developing countries.
- Immunity boost to the consumer because of its high Vitamin C content. So jackfruit is one of the best fruits to consume during the Covid -19 pandemic.
- Blood Pressure problems are relieved by the high potassium content of this fruit.
- Cancer Prevention is taken care by the antioxidants and other Phytonutrients.
- Hydration with its very high water content. Meaning along with the other nutrients, it also provides the necessary water.
Jackfruit recipes on Jackfruit Day
Its jackfruit season here in India and we have tons of this beauty available at cheap prices. So here are a few simple recipes from the east .
- Raw Jackfruit Curry : Did you know that if cooked properly, jackfruit can be made to taste just like mutton? The fibers will give you the definitive meaty texture. You should try that once in Assam.
- Jackfruit Juice : This is for the ones who do not like the consistency of the jackfruit. Just de-seed and blend a few ripe pods in a juicer with sugar or salt, and you have an energy drink for you. Other flavors too can be added according to choice.
- Jackfruit Pitha : Pitha or rice cakes are parts of the Assamese Culinary Culture. And we do have a pitha made from ripe jackfruits and rice flour. Read the recipe here and try it out at home.
- Roasted / Fried Jackfruit Seeds : The seeds are a delicacy on their own. They can be roasted or fried and served as excellent and healthy appetizers
- Mashed Jackfruit Seeds : Pitika or mashed after roasting on charcoal is an inseparable part of Assamese Cooking. Potatoes, brinjals and Jackfruit seeds are classic ingredients to be served as pitika .
On the occasion of the Jackfruit Day, Team Discover East urges you to eat a lot of local and seasonal fruits and vegetables to keep you immunity strong in these difficult times.
(Feature image source: TOI)
