Jackfruit
The jackfruit, also known as jack tree, fenne, jakfruit, or sometimes simply jack or jak,is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family (Moraceae) native to southwest India. The jackfruit tree is well suited to tropical lowlands, and its fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit, reaching as much as 35 kg (80 lb) in weight, 90 cm (35 in) in length, and 50 cm (20 in) in diameter. A mature jackfruit tree can produce about 100 to 200 fruits in a year. The jackfruit is a multiple fruit, composed of hundreds to thousands of individual flowers, and it is the fleshy petals that are eaten. The jackfruit tree is a widely cultivated and popular food item throughout the tropical regions of the world. Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh.
Aroma
Jackfruit have a distinctive sweet and fruity aroma. In a study of flavour volatiles in five jackfruit cultivars, the main volatile compounds that were detected were ethyl isovalerate, propyl isovalerate, butyl isovalerate, isobutyl isovalerate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, 1-butanol, and 2-methylbutan-1-ol. A fully ripe and unopened jackfruit is known to "emit a strong aroma", with the inside of the fruit described as smelling of pineapple and banana. After roasting, the seeds may be used as a commercial alternative to chocolate aroma.
Nutrition
The pulp of jackfruit is composed of 74% water, 23% carbohydrates, 2% protein and 1% fat (table). In a 100-gram portion, raw jackfruit provides 400 kJ (95 kcal) and is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of vitamin B6 (25% DV). It contains moderate levels (10-19% DV) of vitamin C and potassium, with no other nutrients in significant content.
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
| Energy | 397 kJ (95 kcal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | ||
| Sugar | 19.08 g | |
| Dietary fiber | 1.5 g | |
| Fat | 0.64 g | |
| Protein | 1.72 g | |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A equiv. | 5 μg | (1%) |
| beta-Carotene | 61 μg | (1%) |
| lutein zeaxanthin | 157 μg | |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.105 mg | (9%) |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.055 mg | (5%) |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.92 mg | (6%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.235 mg | (5%) |
| Vitamin (B6) | 0.329 mg | (25%) |
| Folate (B9) | 24 μg | (6%) |
| Vitamin C | 13.8 mg | (17%) |
| Vitamin E | 0.34 mg | (2%) |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 24 mg | (2%) |
| Iron | 0.23 mg | (2%) |
| Magnesium | 29 mg | (8%) |
| Manganese | 0.043 mg | (2%) |
| Phosphorus | 21 mg | (3%) |
| Potassium | 448 mg | (10%) |
| Sodium | 2 mg | (0%) |
| Zinc | 0.13 mg | (1%) |