From Spiky Shell to Health Boost: Jackfruit Facts & Benefits
prachi priya
Jun 24, 2025
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Have you ever tried jackfruit? It's not just a fruit — it's a whole experience.
This tropical giant is big, bold, and full of texture — it's no wonder it's become a favorite all over the world, especially for those looking for a plant-based meat substitute. You might know it as Kathal in Hindi, Chakka in Malayalam, or maybe you just think of it as that spiky fruit your grandma used to cook in summer. No matter what you call it, jackfruit is definitely having its moment in the food world!
Ever wondered where the name "jackfruit" comes from?
The name "jackfruit" comes from the Portuguese word "jaca," which was first mentioned by the physician Garcia de Orta back in 1563. The Portuguese picked up the word when they arrived in Calicut, Kerala, where they met the Malayalam word (chakka). This was later written down by Hendrik van Rheede in Hortus Malabaricus and translated by Henry Yule.
Some folks believe that the fruit was later named after William Jack, a Scottish botanist, though this idea isn't universally accepted. In other parts of the world, especially in Southeast Asia, it's called "nangka." This name is used in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, all of which are connected through the Austronesian language family.
The word "kathal" is used in many languages in the north of India, like Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Maithili, to refer to jackfruit. We don't exactly know where the word "kathal" came from, but we like to think it's a unique version of the language that's been around for centuries.
Jackfruit has a really interesting journey! It's traveled through history, languages, and continents.
This amazing fruit is more than just a piece of history; it's also a nutritional powerhouse. When it's still a little green, jackfruit is cooked in delicious curries, biryanis, and kebabs because it has a chewy, meat-like texture popularly known as vegan meat . When it's perfectly ripe, it becomes soft, sweet, and juicy — perfect for desserts, milkshakes, or just eating raw on a hot day. And that's not all—there are even more amazing benefits to explore! This wonderful fruit is loaded with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. That's why it's so great for digestion, skin, immunity, and even heart health. You can boil the seeds, roast the flesh, make crunchy chips, or even pickle the slices. It's amazing how jackfruit can be used in so many ways.
From ancient roots to modern plates, jackfruit is like a gift straight from the tree itself, a gift that's both delicious and rich in cultural history.
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