THE LARGEST FRUIT IN THE WORLD: JACK FRUIT

Common name:Jack fruit/tree

Botanical: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Kiswahili: Fenesi

The jack tree is well-suited to tropical lowlands, and it bears the largest fruit of all trees, reaching as much as 55 kg in weight, 90 cm in length, and 50 cm in diameter. A mature jack tree produces some 200 fruits per year, with older trees bearing up to 500 fruits in a year, containing 100–500 seeds. One fruit can feed 20 adults.

The immature fruit (unripe, commercially labeled as young jackfruit) has a mild taste and meat-like texture that lends itself to being a meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. The ripe fruit can be much sweeter (depending on variety) and is more often used for desserts.

Ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet, with subtle pineapple- or banana-like flavoring. It can be used to make a variety of dishes, including custards, cakes, or mixed with shaved ice commonly used for cuisines. Both the ripe seeds and the unripe fruit are consumed. It's low in calories, naturally fat- and sodium-free, provides ample vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and vitamin C, and packs in a surprising blood pressure-lowering potassium.

The jack tree is widely cultivated throughout tropical regions of the world.

The seeds from ripe fruits are edible, and are said to have a milky, sweet taste, often comparable to nuts. They may be boiled, baked, or roasted. When roasted, the flavor of the seeds is comparable to chestnuts.

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