Is Jackfruit the answer to world hunger?  While it was once derided as a poor man’s fruit, there is now a growing recognition by sustainable agriculture experts that it has real value to feed millions and could be a replacement for crops such as wheat and corn that are threatened by climate change.   Jacks can grow up to 100+ pounds, are drought resistance, immune to disease and pests and easy to grow. Here are more facts about Jumpin Jackfruit.

Jackfruit originated in South India about 5000 years ago and is the world’s largest tree-borne fruit!   It is known as a multiple fruit because it contains hundreds of individual lobes, each holding a nutritious seed; eating 10-12 helps maintain satiety for hours.

Jackfruit is subtly sweet with a distinct aroma.   Here’s more about this amazingly versatile fruit.  The flesh is high in dietary fiber, which improves digestion.

Jacks are about 74% water, 23% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 1% fat.

It is a rich source of vitamins A, B6, and C.

A viable source of iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.

Vegetarians enjoy its versatile texture that after cooking resembles the look and taste of pulled pork.

The juice can be consumed as a beverage or condensed to make to make candy.

Jackfruit can be eaten ripe or unripe, dried, fried, chopped or as soup.

The trunk of the Jackfruit tree is valued for its termite proof timber that is used for constructing housing, furniture, and musical instruments. It’s also good for making oil, latex and livestock feed.

Be careful; the white sticky liquid Jacks secrete is hard to wash away even with soap and water.  Typically a solvent or oil is needed to clean up.