Hainan Jackfruit

Hainan Jackfruit

　　Jackfruit, also known as breadfruit or tree jackfruit, is a tall tree of the Moraceae family. Originally from India and Southeast Asia, it is widely cultivated in tropical and humid regions. It was introduced to China from India during the Sui and Tang dynasties. It is now commonly grown in Hainan, and also cultivated in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other areas, but the main producing region is still Hainan, and it has now become one of Hainan’s signature fruits.

　　Jackfruit usually begins to bloom around the Spring Festival period. The fruits mostly grow on the trunks. Some trees produce many fruits, and to prevent excessive fruits from draining nutrients, we often remove the smaller or less attractive ones when they are still very small, typically leaving only about seven or eight. This allows for better growth and development, making it easier to yield large, sweet jackfruits.

　　Jackfruit can be divided into two types: dry jackfruit and wet jackfruit. Dry jackfruit has less juice, thick and rich flesh, is sweet and smooth, and has a strong aroma. Wet jackfruit is juicy, sweet, and has a distinctive and intense fragrance. The ones commonly sold in the market are generally dry jackfruit.

　　Tips for Eating Jackfruit:

　　To determine if a jackfruit is ripe, you can first smell it for fragrance, then press it gently with your hand to see if it yields. If it gives slightly under pressure and has a strong aroma, it’s ripe. Eating jackfruit is an art — there’s a fun saying: “Know how to eat it, it’s smooth and delightful; don’t know how, and you’ll sweat buckets.” Wet jackfruit, because of its softer skin, can be directly torn open and eaten by hand, whereas dry jackfruit needs to be cut open with a knife. When cutting, it's best to apply some cooking oil on the knife and wear gloves or cover your hands with plastic bags, because jackfruit secretes a sticky sap that is hard to wash off once it gets on knives or hands. If it sticks to your hands, you can use a plastic bag to rub it off — the sap will stick to the bag. This method is easier than using soap or laundry detergent.

　　Once cut open, the fruit contains several bulbous sections, which are the edible flesh of the jackfruit. These can be removed and eaten directly. The white fibers inside can be cut out and stir-fried, making a delicious appetizer-style dish that was a common treat in my childhood. Inside the flesh, there is also a seed about the size of a chicken heart. Wash the seed, add some water, and boil it in a pot. Once the outer white layer cracks, add a little salt. It tastes great, comparable to chestnuts.

　　Jackfruit is highly nutritious, containing carbohydrates, sugars, proteins, starch, vitamins, amino acids, calcium, iron, potassium, as well as a certain amount of plant fats and various minerals beneficial to the human body. It is a fruit that benefits the skin and boosts vitality. Its flesh contains sugars, fats, and proteins. The juice also includes an enzyme similar to gastric acid, which helps break down proteins and aids digestion. Therefore, it is especially beneficial to eat after meals. However, it should be noted that jackfruit is heaty, and those with skin conditions may develop boils if they eat too much.

　　There is one important thing to note when eating jackfruit: do not consume it together with honey. When jackfruit and honey mix, their molecular structures change and they begin to continuously expand. The human stomach simply cannot handle such expansion, and in severe cases, it could lead to bloating to the point of being fatal.

　　Jackfruit seeds are rich in starch, fat, and protein. Once cooked, they are edible and can help treat insufficient breast milk in women after childbirth. The jackfruit core, soft like coconut meat, is often used to make sweet soups.

　　The jackfruit tree is excellent timber — hard in texture, fine in grain, and golden in color. It is often used to make musical instruments and high-end furniture. Its wood shavings can also be used to produce premium yellow dye. Truly, every part of the jackfruit tree is valuable.