Jackfruit (Kathal) History & Origin

Jackfruit, also known as Kathal in Hindi, is a tropical fruit native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Moraceae family, which also includes figs and mulberries.

The fruit is believed to have originated in the rainforests of the Western Ghats in southern India, but it is now cultivated in many parts of the world, including South America and Africa.

Jackfruit has been a staple food in many Asian cultures for centuries, and it has played an important role in both their cuisine and traditional medicine.

In India, the fruit is particularly popular in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where it is used to make a variety of dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and desserts.

Jackfruit Recipes:

Jackfruit Recipes

India is home to many delicious jackfruit recipes, both sweet and savory. Here are some of the most popular jackfruit dishes in India:

  1. Jackfruit Curry (Kathal Ki Sabji): A curry made with jackfruit, spices, and onions. It’s a popular vegetarian dish in North India.
  2. Jackfruit Biryani: A fragrant and flavorful biryani made with jackfruit, spices, and basmati rice. It’s a popular dish in South India.
  3. Jackfruit Pulao: A rice dish made with jackfruit, spices, and vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes.
  4. Jackfruit Kofta: A vegetarian dish made with jackfruit balls cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy.
  5. Chakka Pradhaman: A sweet pudding made with ripe jackfruit, jaggery, and coconut milk. It’s a popular dessert in Kerala.
  6. Jackfruit Payasam: A sweet dessert made with jackfruit, jaggery, and coconut milk. It’s a popular dish in South India.
  7. Jackfruit Ice Cream: A creamy ice cream made with jackfruit puree, cream, and sugar.

These are just a few of the many delicious jackfruit recipes that are popular in India. Jackfruit is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

Jackfruit Biryani:

Jackfruit Biryani

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 cup jackfruit, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for cooking (Use Healthy Cold Pressed Mustard Oil)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add the onion and fry until it turns translucent.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes, green chili, ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices. Fry for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the chopped jackfruit and cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the yogurt and salt and mix well.
  6. Add the soaked rice and enough water to cook the rice. Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat until the rice is cooked through.
  7. Serve hot with raita or pickle.

Jackfruit Curry

Jackfruit Curry in a bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup jackfruit, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder (Use Lakadong Turmeric)
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for cooking
  • Coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add the onion and fry until it turns translucent.
  2. Add the chopped tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices. Fry for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped jackfruit and cook for another 10 minutes.
  4. Add enough water to make a curry and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or bread.

Jackfruit Chips:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Cut the jackfruit into thin slices and remove any seeds.
  2. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add a few jackfruit slices at a time and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove the chips from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  5. Sprinkle salt on the chips while they are still warm.
  6. Repeat the process with the remaining jackfruit slices.
  7. Store the chips in an airtight container once they have cooled down.

Jackfruit Benefits

Jackfruit Benefits

Jackfruit is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some health benefits of eating jackfruit:

  1. Rich in fiber: Jackfruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and prevent constipation.
  2. High in antioxidants: Jackfruit is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and prevent cell damage.
  3. Lowers blood pressure: Jackfruit contains potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health.
  4. Boosts immunity: Jackfruit is a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost immunity and protect against infections.
  5. Good for skin health: Jackfruit contains vitamin A, which can help improve skin health and prevent premature aging.

Jackfruit Calories

Jackfruit Calories

The number of calories in a jackfruit curry can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. However, here is a general breakdown of the calorie content of a typical jackfruit curry per serving:

  • One serving (1 cup) of jackfruit curry prepared with coconut milk and served over rice contains approximately 350-400 calories.
  • This calorie count includes the calories from jackfruit, coconut milk, rice, spices, and any other ingredients used in the curry.
  • The calorie count can vary depending on the type and amount of oil used in the recipe, as well as any additional ingredients like potatoes or chickpeas.
  • It’s important to keep portion sizes in mind and to balance the curry with other healthy foods throughout the day to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

Jackfruit Recipes Tips & Tricks:

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when cooking with jackfruit:

  1. Use ripe jackfruit for sweet dishes: Ripe jackfruit is sweet and perfect for desserts like puddings, ice creams, and cakes. Unripe jackfruit is ideal for savory dishes like curries and stir-fries.
  2. Cook unripe jackfruit before using it in savory dishes: Unripe jackfruit can be tough and fibrous, so it’s best to boil it in water or coconut milk before using it in curries or stir-fries. This will soften the jackfruit and help it absorb the flavors of the spices.
  3. Use canned jackfruit for convenience: If fresh jackfruit is not available, canned jackfruit can be used as a substitute. Look for canned jackfruit in water or brine, as canned jackfruit in syrup may be too sweet for savory dishes.
  4. Don’t throw away the seeds: Jackfruit seeds are edible and can be boiled, roasted, or fried. They have a nutty flavor and can be used in curries, stir-fries, and even desserts.
  5. Experiment with spices and seasonings: Jackfruit is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide variety of spices and seasonings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and cuisines to find your favorite jackfruit recipe.

By keeping these tips and tricks in mind, you can make delicious and flavorful jackfruit dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and provide a variety of health benefits.