Jackfruit, one of the most underrated but exotic fruit cum vegetables of the Indian kitchen has suddenly become the most demanding vegetable due to the hue and cry of Coronavirus in the market. Moreover, jackfruit is going to replace chicken in the Indian market and witnessed a sudden price hike as Coronavirus fear spreads.
Jackfruit is one of the healthiest vegetables with numerous benefits. Moreover, it is considered as sustainable food, because the jackfruit tree is drought- and pest-resistant; and a single tree can produce up to 200 fruits per year. Jackfruit supplies plenty of nutritional perks. Moreover, it’s low in calories, naturally fat- and sodium-free, provides ample vitamin A, (in the form of beta-carotene) Vitamin C and packs in a surprising blood pressure-lowering potassium.
Why Jackfruit is replacing Chicken and Meat?
While coronavirus fear is spreading across the globe, people are avoiding any kind of meat to get rid of the virus although it’s totally safe. With the sales of chicken and mutton going down due to coronavirus scare, Jackfruit or ‘kathal’ emerges as the most acceptable alternative to get a similar taste without even consuming meat.
Health Benefits of Jackfruit
High in Calories
100 g of edible jackfruit bulbs provide 95 calories. The fruit made of soft, easily digestible flesh (arils) made up of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that when eaten replenishes energy and revitalizes the body instantly.
Rich in Fiber
Jackfruit is rich in dietary fiber, which makes it a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps protect the colon mucosa by binding to and eliminating cancer-causing chemicals from the colon.
Enriched with Vitamin A
The fresh fruit has small but significant amounts of vitamin-A, and flavonoid pigments such as carotene-ß, xanthin, lutein, and cryptoxanthin-ß. Together, these compounds play vital roles in antioxidant and vision functions.
May Protect from Lung and Oral Cavity Cancers
Vitamin-A also required for maintaining the integrity of mucosa and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A and carotenes has been found to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Good Source of Antioxidant, Vitamin-C
Jackfruit is a good source of antioxidant vitamin-C, provides about 13.7 mg or 23% of RDA. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.
Rich in a B-complex group of Vitamins
It is one of the rare fruits that is rich in a B-complex group of vitamins. It contains outstanding amounts of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid.
Good Source of Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Iron
Further, fresh fruit is a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
Best way to Eat Jackfruit
Vegetarians and vegans often use jackfruit as a meat alternative due to its texture. Moreover, you can use the fruit as a meat replacement in jackfruit tacos by cooking it and then combining it with vegetables and seasonings.
Jackfruit can be consumed plain or cooked into both sweet and savory dishes, depending on its ripeness. Unripe fruit generally tastes best in savory recipes, while the sweetness of the ripe fruit is great for desserts.
