Jackfruit: A Native Treasure of Kerala

Jackfruit trees grow abundantly across Kerala’s homesteads and farmlands. Known as Chakka in Malayalam, jackfruit was traditionally considered a “tree of abundance” because:

• One tree could feed an entire family

• It required minimal care

• Almost every part of the fruit was usable — flesh, seeds, rind

In times when rice was scarce or expensive, raw jackfruit became a reliable staple, especially in rural and agrarian communities.

Raw Jackfruit as a Traditional Staple Food

1. Rice Substitute in Traditional Diets

In many parts of Kerala, especially during monsoon seasons or periods of rice shortage, raw jackfruit was:

• Cooked and mashed (chakka puzhukku)

• Sun-dried and stored as jackfruit chunks or flour

• Used as a replacement for rice or tubers

This practice helped maintain food security while providing sustained energy.

2. Preparation Methods Passed Through Generations

Traditional processing of raw jackfruit involved:

• Peeling and chopping the green jackfruit

• Boiling or steaming to remove latex and improve digestibility

• Sun-drying for long-term storage

• Grinding dried pieces into jackfruit flour

These low-heat, natural methods preserved nutrients and made jackfruit available year-round.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Raw Jackfruit

According to Ayurveda, raw jackfruit is valued for its balancing and nourishing properties.

Ayurvedic qualities of raw jackfruit:

• Guru (heavy) – Provides long-lasting satiety

• Sheeta (cooling) – Beneficial in tropical climates

• Starch-rich – Ideal for sustained energy

Ayurveda traditionally recommended raw jackfruit for:

• Supporting digestion when properly cooked

• Providing strength and nourishment

• Balancing excess heat in the body

When combined with spices like cumin, pepper, or coconut, raw jackfruit becomes easier to digest and more balanced.

Nutritional Wisdom Behind Raw Jackfruit Consumption

Traditional diets intuitively understood what modern science now confirms:

Raw jackfruit is:

• High in dietary fiber – Supports gut health

• Low glycemic – Helps manage blood sugar levels

• Naturally gluten-free

• Rich in complex carbohydrates – Slow energy release

This made it especially suitable for:

• Manual laborers

• Diabetics (in controlled portions)

• Elderly people requiring easy-to-chew, nourishing foods

Jackfruit in Kerala’s Seasonal Eating Culture

Kerala’s traditional food system followed ritucharya (seasonal eating). Raw jackfruit was harvested mainly during summer and early monsoon, then preserved for later use.

This ensured:

• Minimal food waste

• Year-round availability

• Reduced dependency on external grains

Sun-dried jackfruit products were a common sight in ancestral homes, reflecting a zero-waste food philosophy.

Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency

Long before sustainability became a global conversation, Kerala households practiced it naturally.

Raw jackfruit:

• Required no intensive farming

• Grew organically in backyard gardens

• Reduced dependence on rice imports

Using jackfruit as a staple promoted self-reliance and environmental balance, values deeply embedded in Kerala’s food wisdom.

Traditional Kerala Dishes Using Raw Jackfruit

Some classic dishes include:

• Chakka Puzhukku – Boiled jackfruit mashed with coconut

• Chakka Curry – Spiced raw jackfruit curry

• Jackfruit Thoran – Stir-fried with coconut

• Jackfruit Flour Kanji – Nourishing porridge

These dishes were simple, wholesome, and designed for everyday nourishment.

Relevance in Modern Diets

In today’s fast-paced world, traditional foods like raw jackfruit are making a comeback because they align with modern needs:

• Diabetes-friendly diets

• Gluten-free lifestyles

• Plant-based and vegan eating

• Sustainable food choices

Products like raw green jackfruit flour make it easy to include this ancient wisdom in contemporary kitchens.

Conclusion

The use of raw jackfruit in Kerala diets is not just a culinary tradition — it is a reflection of ancient wisdom, sustainability, and holistic health. By embracing raw jackfruit, we reconnect with a time-tested food system that nourished generations naturally.

Reintroducing raw jackfruit into modern diets is a step toward healthier living rooted in tradition.