Jack-fruit (Kanthal, inchar)

Botanically, it is called Artocarpus heterophylla. It is an attractive tropical tree valued for its immense fruits and its timber. It grows to 60 ft high and bears variable shaped evergreen leaves. The Jack-fruit, a member of the mulberry family (Moraceae), is native to eastern India and is extensively grown in tropical Asia. It has also been widely introduced into the American tropics.

Its fruit resembles bread-fruit but are of inferior quality. It is a staple food of tropical Asia. Jack-fruits are 12 to 20 inches long and 8 to 10 inches thick and commonly weigh 18 kg or more. The pulp of the ripe fruit is eaten raw. Green fruits, are very nutritious vegetable which is called inchar and is usually eaten in soups and stews. The ripe fruit is not very good for health as it may cause diarrhoea and even cholera. The ripe fruit is very dangerous and should not be taken more than 3 to 4 bulbs at a time during summer months. Its wood is valued for cabinet work.

Benefit and uses of Jack-fruit.

• The jackfruit root is a remedy for skin diseases and asthma. An extract of the root is taken in cases of fever and diarrhea.
• Jackfruit provided a good supply of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Delicacies can be prepared from every part of the fruit.
• They contain 38% carbohydrates, 6.6% proteins and  0.4 g  fats, vitamins like vitamin A, C and certain B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, zinc, and phosphorous.
• Their health benefits are wide-ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive, anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-ulcer.