Jackfruit
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is popularly
known as the poor man’s food in the eastern and southern parts of India. A rich
source of vitamin A, C, and minerals, it also supplies carbohydrates. Tender
jackfruits are popularly used as vegetable. The skin of the fruit and its
leaves are excellent cattle feed. Its timber is valued for furniture
making since it is rarely attacked by white ants. The latex from the bark
contains resin. Pickles and dehydrated leather are its preserved delicacies.
Canning of flakes can be done. They can be bottled and served after mixing with
honey and sugar. Nectar is prepared from its pulp. The rind rich in pectin, can
be used for making jelly. The flakes, seeds, sterile flowers, skin and core
contain calcium pectate 4.6, 1.6, 3.7, 3.2 and 2.1% respectively. They are
considered as a good sources of pectin.
Climate and soil
Jackfruit
can be grown on a wide variety of soils but it grows well in a rich, deep,
alluvial and well-drained soil. It can also be grown on open textured or
lateritic soil provided sufficient nutrients are available. It is preferred in
homesteads, as a shade-tree or as a mixed crop. It grows well in a warm, humid
climate up to an elevation of 1,500m. In south India, it performs
satisfactorily in arid and warmer plains. However, it cannot tolerate cold and
frost.
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