Looking ahead

We took a deep breath and planted a Jakfruit in our front garden this week.  As with many of the other trees we are planting, it's rather a long-term view for 60 and 70-yr olds to be taking.  And particularly ambitious regarding this tree, which is going to be a monster.

Our tree has been given a very good start in life; firstly a large hole was dug and filled with all kinds of goodies for the roots to feast on, then the top was pruned to a single strong trunk and tethered to a pair of light stakes.  A liberal covering of mulch went on all around.  Already it's grown two new, pale green leaves!

The Jakfruit or Jackfruit (Artocarpus integrifolia, A heterophyllus) can grow to be enormous - up to 75 feet - and it bears the largest fruit of any tree, each one weighing 20 kg or more.  There is a photo of a bigg'n in Florida here,

Elsewhere we are told: "This is the world’s largest tree fruit, and can weigh up to 40 kilograms. The flesh is golden yellow, very sweet and juicy and tastes like banana bubblegum. You eat the segments inside. Watch out for the seed, which can also be boiled and eaten. In India this fruit is picked green and eaten as a vegetable in curries."   

We may not be around to enjoy the fruits of our labour, but hopefully one day someone will.  And if they're interested in the tree's medicinal uses, well, there are a few:

"In China, the pulp of nangka (Jakfruit) is considered useful in suppressing alcohol in the body. The roasted seeds are used as an aphrodisiac.  Root extract is used for asthma, fever and diarrhea. The bark has sedative properties."

But I'll be happy enough with just a taste of that banana bubblegum.

Comments

[DellaB]

Thanks for the fruit-page link Jude... lots to learn. I for one am glad people planted big trees all those years ago; I love big trees - I saw some absolutely amazing varieties on our trip, but couldn't get Noel to stop and let me takes photos, sensible really, we would never have got anywhere.
regards
Della

[kenju]

That sounds like a very interesting fruit with an unusual taste, Jude. You are indeed ambitious to plant it.

Thanks for the visit. I didn't know that Steve was more popular here than in AU, but I for one, will miss his cheerful demeanor and optimism.

[Tabor]

Ah yes, I remember buying these at the market in Indonesia. They do have a sort of artificial bubblegum taste to them.

[Val]

Interesting stuff, Jude! I've seen jacfruit in tins here in Melbourne, but don't think I'll be trying it if it tastes like bubblegum.