Dehydrated Jackfruit in Sri Lanka

Value of Jackfruits in South Asia

Jackfruit is a famed fruit in over a dozen nations, including Sri Lanka. Known for its unique taste as well as its ability to even act as a staple food, the jackfruit is truly the "Jack" of fruits, at least in the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions.

The national or ethnic cuisines of these nations comprise multiple dishes that make use of the jackfruit. This includes dehydrated jackfruit products too. One interesting fact that escapes us all is that both ripe and unripe jackfruits are consumed in Sri Lanka, India, as well as other nations.

The jackfruit is actually the national fruit of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Moreover, it has been elevated to the position of the state fruit of the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, both situated towards the southern region of the Indian subcontinent.

Infographic on Jackfruits

Health Benefits of Nutritional Dehydrated Jackfruits

Jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) are seasonal tropical crops with heavy and bulk edible portions prominent in South Asia. Jack fruit has a rich nutrient profile accompanied with surprising health benefits. Compared to other tropical fruits, jackfruits contain a richer amount of essential vitamins and minerals with low calories. Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C, which is believed to help in natural aging, maintaining oral and skin health as well as enhance the oxidative modifications.

It is one of the rare fruits that is rich in B- complex vitamins including, B6, niacin, riboflavin, and folic acids. Niacin in jackfruit is important in energy metabolism, nerve function, and the synthesis of certain hormones. Jackfruit contains potassium and calcium also. Potassium is a potential source in lowering blood pressure and reversing the effects. Flavonoids and polyphenols in jackfruit are involved in anti-inflammatory effects and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and bone loss.

The starch and dietary fiber content are paly a major role in decreasing the risk of cancers by reducing the exposure time of causative chemicals and prevent constipation. The presence of chitin-binding lectin named jackin, which can inhibit the growth offungi is a unique property of jackfruit. Jackfruits are perishable due to its high moisture content (~76.2- 85.2g per 100g). Dehydration has still protected the anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory nature of jackfruit along with nutrients in considerable amounts.