The word "jackfruit tree" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈdʒæk.frʊt triː/. The first syllable is pronounced with a "j" sound, followed by a short "a" sound and a "k" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "u" sound and a "t" sound, and the final syllable has a long "e" sound. "Jackfruit" refers to a tropical fruit that grows on the jackfruit tree. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine as a meat substitute due to its texture and flavor.
The jackfruit tree is a large tropical tree belonging to the Moraceae family, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh, this evergreen tree is renowned for its distinctive fruit, the jackfruit.
The jackfruit tree typically grows to a height of 30 to 70 feet (9 to 21 meters) and can have a trunk diameter of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). It has a dense and spreading canopy consisting of shiny, dark green leaves that are elliptical in shape and can reach a length of 5 to 15 inches (13 to 38 centimeters).
The tree bears fruits that are large and oblong in shape, with a bumpy green outer skin. These fruits can reach a weight of up to 80 pounds (36 kilograms) and measure 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 centimeters) in length. When ripe, the green skin turns yellowish-brown, and the fruit exudes a strong and sweet aroma. The jackfruit contains numerous edible seeds and fibrous, yellow flesh that has a unique flavor often described as a blend of banana, pineapple, and mango.
Cultivated extensively for its delicious and versatile fruit, the jackfruit tree also has various other uses. Its timber is highly valued and used for construction purposes, while the leaves serve as fodder for livestock. Additionally, the tree's latex-containing bark is used to make a strong adhesive. Overall, the jackfruit tree is an important economic and cultural resource in many regions, offering a wide range of benefits beyond its tasty fruit.
The etymology of the word "jackfruit" can be traced back to the Portuguese word "jaca", which originated from the Malayalam language of Kerala, India. In Malayalam, it is called "chakka". The Portuguese explorers and traders encountered this tropical fruit during their interactions in India and Southeast Asia and brought it back to Europe. Over time, "jaca" evolved into "jackfruit" in English, referring to both the fruit and the tree it grows on.