Breadfruit (Jackfruit)
Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
In this article, learn more about Breadfruit (Jackfruit). Breadfruit (Jackfruit).
Jackfruit is an Indian breadfruit tree whose fruit (the national symbol of Bangladesh) is the largest edible tree growing on a tree.
Useful properties
Ripe fruits contain 30-40% edible flesh. They are very nutritious, carbohydrates ( starch ) in them are about 40% more than in bread. The product is cheap, so in India it is called "bread for the poor". The seeds (up to 300 pieces in one jackfruit) are also very nutritious, consisting of 38% carbohydrates, 6.6% protein, 0.4% fat. They are usually prepared roasted and consumed like chestnuts.
Dietary fiber and saturated fatty acids are also not lacking. Of the vitamins, the leader is vitamin C, followed by A, B1, B2, B6, B9 and PP. Trace elements are represented by iron , zinc, copper, selenium and manganese.
Ripe fruits are eaten fresh, in the form of jam, jelly or candied. Unripe ones are used as vegetables, they can be boiled, stewed or fried. The flesh is low in calories, rich in vitamin A, sulfur, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Fully ripe fruits can be stored frozen or in the refrigerator, pre-cut into pieces.
The colors can be blanched and added to some sauces. Fresh leaves are used raw in papaya salads. Absolutely all parts of the plant are used. The peel can be marinated or sucrose, it is also suitable for animal feed.
For medical purposes, jackfruit is used as a remedy for diarrhea, and the flowers have antidiuretic properties. Immature fruits have an astringent effect, when ripe enough, however, the action becomes laxative.
It is believed that the leaves of the Indian breadfruit, made in the form of tea, increase milk in nursing mothers .
In Eastern medicine, the flesh is used to treat pharyngitis, stomach ulcers and digestive disorders. In addition, the fruit helps to keep a sober state during the holiday meals by reducing the effects of alcohol.
Jackfruit helps to lower blood pressure, strengthen immunity, and is used as a means to eliminate fever.
Roasted fruit seeds are considered an aphrodisiac.
Dangerous and harmful properties
Fruits can be harmful in case of individual intolerance and allergy to some of their ingredients.