As summer arrives in India, so does the season of jackfruit — a giant green fruit with a spiky exterior and a treasure trove of benefits inside. While many enjoy it raw or cooked in traditional curries, few realise that jackfruit is more than a seasonal treat. It’s a powerhouse of nutrition, a sustainable crop, and a growing favourite among vegans worldwide.

Why jackfruit is the king of summer

Native to India, the jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, sometimes weighing up to 40 kg! In states like Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, it has been a staple food for centuries, known locally as kathal in the North and chakka in Kerala.

But

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