Xuwen Jackfruit

Xuwen Jackfruit

　　Jackfruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, is called "shuboluo" in Guangdong, while in Hainan and Xuwen, it is referred to as "baoluo." Jackfruit is a tall tree belonging to the Moraceae family. Originally native to India and Malaysia, it is widely cultivated in tropical humid regions. Regarding the history of jackfruit cultivation in China, the Ming Dynasty poet Wang Zuo once mentioned in his poem "Jackfruit" that the jackfruit tree originated from overseas. The Qing Dynasty scholar from Guangdong, Qu Dajun, investigated and concluded that jackfruit was introduced from India over a thousand years ago.

　　Jackfruit requires abundant rainfall but is not overly demanding in terms of temperature or soil conditions. While jackfruit is commonly found throughout Zhanjiang, it is most densely cultivated in the areas of Xuwen, Leizhou, and downtown Zhanjiang. Every year between June and July is the peak season for ripe jackfruit. During this time, in many parts of Zhanjiang—especially the Leizhou Peninsula—villagers selling jackfruit line the roads, some carrying loads on shoulder poles, others setting up stalls, forming long queues along the streets. Merchants often purchase the fruit to supply the local market or export it to cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shantou, Xiamen, Shanghai, and Beijing, where it enjoys great popularity among consumers. Photo by Luo Linzhong