I have read that the flavor and the color of Juicy Fruit gum come from trying to copy the flavor and color of the Jack Fruit.
This fruit’s flavor is so amazing, I can tell why they did this and why the gum was/is so popular. The thing is, as it usually is, the original is so much better than the copy.
The folks in the Philippines and other tropical countries Eastern Asia and others know what this fruit is like. Perhaps a different name, but still yummy.
I was smiling ear to ear when I walked by one of our 5 Jackfruit trees and could smell the sweet aroma and see the rice sack that we covered it with bulging with goodness.
This is not one the biggest, but see the size compared to my size 12 foot.
This is some of what Wikipedia has to say.
Binomial name
Artocarpus heterophyllus
Jackfruit
The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), also known as jack tree, fenne, jakfruit, or sometimes simply jack or jak,[7] is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family (Moraceae) native to southwest India.[8][9][10]
Opened jackfruit
The jackfruit tree is well suited to tropical lowlands, and its fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit, reaching as much as 55 kg (120 lb) in weight, 90 cm (35 in) in length, and 50 cm (20 in) in diameter.[10][11] 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 the fleshy petals are eaten.[10][12]
I was blessed to have some of this fruit on my plate at lunchtime.
According to medindia.net here are some of the benefits of Jackfruit.
Boosts Energy Levels: Jackfruits contain simple sugars like fructose and sucrose. These sugars are absorbed readily and easily by our bodies and so eating a small serving of this fruit will give you an immediate energy boost. You can have a bowl of refrigerated jackfruit as a post-workout snack to help you recover quicker.
Jackfruit for Vision: Jackfruits contain many nutrients that support eye health including beta-carotene, Vitamin A, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Beta carotene is synthesised by our bodies and gets converted into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is critical for good eye sight as it is needed for proper vision in low light. It also supports the normal functioning of the cornea and conjunctival membranes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids that are deposited in high quantities in the retina where they filter harmful light and protect and maintain healthy cell function. The human body cannot synthesize these nutrients, which is why they have to be included in our daily diet plans. Make jackfruit a part of your regular diet to reduce your risk of cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Prevents and Cures Anemia: Jackfruits contain many of the vitamins and minerals that are required for the production of blood. This includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E as well as copper, manganese and magnesium. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. The human body requires iron in order to produce haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to every cell in the body. Lower levels of iron result in lower levels of hemoglobin, which results in the organs receiving less oxygen, and this hampers their functioning. Jackfruits are a good source of iron and so including them in your regular diet plan will help to prevent and even cure iron deficiency anemia.
Jackfruit to Control Diabetes: People with diabetes are advised to limit their intake of sweet foods but they are allowed to eat fruits in moderation. Jackfruits contain carbohydrates, which is why it is important to keep a track of your serving size; however, they also contain several vitamins and minerals, which will help reduce your risk of diabetic complications. Scientists who studied the relationship between jackfruit and diabetes found that diabetic patients who were given extracts of jackfruit had improved glucose tolerance as compared to those who were not given the extract. Jackfruit leaves have long been a part of traditional medicine for diabetes in India and recent research on the effect of the leaves of the jackfruit tree on diabetic rats found that they contain certain chemicals that help to reduce blood sugar levels. All preliminary results indicate that jackfruit leaves can help to stabilize blood sugar levels in humans and can be used to control diabetes.
Supports Bone Health: Jackfruits contain calcium which is essential for good bone health. Calcium is required for the formation and maintenance of bones. Consuming jackfruit on a daily basis will help to prevent and manage bone problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Jackfruits also contain potassium, which helps to reduce calcium loss, and this in turn increases bone density-making bones stronger and less prone to problems. Jackfruits are a good source of magnesium, which is required for the proper absorption of calcium within the body. They also contain modest amounts of manganese, phosphorous and zinc which are minerals that are required for optimum bone health.
Aids Digestion: Jackfruits contain plenty of soluble and insoluble fibre. 100 grams of jackfruit provide 1.5 g of fibre, which is approximately 5% of a person’s recommended daily allowance. The dietary fibre in jackfruits helps to bulk up stools and keep them soft so that they can easily pass through the digestive system. Soluble fibre attracts water and forms a gel during digestion, which binds to fat and reduces cholesterol absorption. Insoluble fibre absorbs water but does not dissolve and so it helps to prevent constipation and other digestive disorders.
Promotes Heart Health: Jackfruits contain potassium, which is essential in controlling blood pressure and heart rate. A diet that is high in potassium will also reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Jackfruits are also an excellent source of Vitamin B6, which is a heart-friendly vitamin. Jackfruits also contain resveratrol, which has cardio-protective effects and can help to treat cardiovascular diseases such as ischemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Jackfruit Seeds as a Low GI Meal: People who need to manage their blood glucose levels through a dietary regimen can include jackfruit seeds as part of their diet. Jackfruit seeds are a good source of starch and dietary fibre. Boiled or steamed jackfruit seeds with a few simple condiments can make a delicious and more importantly low Glycemic Index (GI) meal. Low GI foods are foods that do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Some people who are vegan or abstain from meats like pork, make a pulled pork out of Jackfruit before it is fully ripe.
Pulled porkless barbecue using Jackfruit.
Photo and recipe from allrecipes.com
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and garlic until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add jackfruit; cook and stir until lightly browned and relatively free of moisture, about 10 minutes.
Transfer jackfruit mixture to a slow cooker; cover with barbeque sauce. Cook on Low, stirring occasionally, until jackfruit shreds easily with a fork, about 6 hours.
Super delicious and healthy!
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