The tropical fruit known as jackfruit is spelled with a "j" and pronounced as /ˈdʒæk.fruːt/. The "j" uses the voiced postalveolar affricate sound, which is made by pushing the tongue up towards the hard palate and releasing it quickly. The first syllable, "jack," is stressed while the second syllable, "fruit," uses the long "u" sound. It is important to spell the word correctly in order to ensure effective communication and to avoid confusion with similar sounding words such as "jacket" or "baklava".
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus and belongs to the Moraceae family. The jackfruit tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and produces the largest fruit of any tree worldwide, weighing up to 55 kilograms. The fruit has a distinctive appearance characterized by its green, bumpy and irregular skin.
The jackfruit is composed of multiple oval-shaped sections called bulbs, which are enclosed in a fibrous, pale yellow, and somewhat rubbery flesh. Each bulb contains a sweet, aromatic, and juicy pulp that is rich in flavor, with hints of pineapple, banana, and mango. The seeds of the jackfruit are also edible and can be boiled, roasted, or used in various culinary preparations.
Due to its versatility, the jackfruit is highly regarded as a meat substitute among vegetarians and vegans. When unripe, the young jackfruit has a meat-like texture and can be used in savory dishes as a substitute for pulled pork or shredded chicken. It is valued for its ability to absorb flavors and spices, making it an excellent ingredient in curries, stir-fries, and stews.
Aside from its culinary uses, jackfruit is also known for its nutritional benefits. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. Jackfruit is renowned for its potential to promote digestive health, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Overall, jackfruit is a highly versatile and nutritious fruit that has gained popularity worldwide for its unique taste and culinary applications.
The word "jackfruit" comes from the Portuguese term "jaca", which in turn originates from the Malayalam language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala. In Malayalam, the fruit is known as "chakka". As traders from Portugal encountered the fruit in Kerala during the 16th century, they adopted the term "jaca" to refer to it. Eventually, it spread to other languages, with variations such as "jackfruit" in English and "jackfruta" in Spanish.