Also known as
Kathal, Phanas, Fanas.

What is jackfruit, phanas, fanas, kathal?

The jackfruit is a huge, spined, oval fruit that is believed to have been first cultivated in Indian rainforests. It is largely grown in tropical or close to tropical climates. The fruit itself is the largest fruit in the world. It can weigh up to 80 pounds (36.29 kg) and be up to 3 feet (.91 m) long. The exterior of the fruit is not edible, but the flesh and seeds are commonly eaten. When the fruit has turned from green to yellow, it is ready to be picked. Jackfruit tends to be an acquired taste and frequently does not appeal to those unfamiliar with it. Cutting and preparing the jackfruit is somewhat difficult because the fruit is very sticky and can actually be used as glue. Most people oil their hands to prevent some of the stickiness from transferring to their hands, but washing up afterwards is still a chore.

Raw and ripe are two kinds of jackfruit.

Raw jackfruit
Refers to the jackfruit which is not fully ripe. Raw jackfruit has a crunchy, rather than mushy texture, and is generally preferred as a vegetable. They are cooked with spices and in gravies similar to any other vegetable preparation. When unripe (green), it is remarkably similar in texture to chicken, making jackfruit an excellent vegetarian substitute for meat. In fact, canned jackfruit (in brine) is sometimes referred to as "vegetable meat".

Ripe jackfruit
Refers to fully ripened jackfruit. The ripening jackfruit has an odor which has been compared to the smell of rotting onions. This aroma often discourages people from trying the interior. When the ripe jackfruit is opened, numerous sweet, banana-like bulbs are revealed, and most people find them quite delicious.

Boiled jackfruit cubes

Chopped jackfruit

Refers to the finely chopped or roughly chopped after peeling. Another interesting way of chopping jackfruit would be to chop into big chunks or quarters.

Deseeded jackfruit

When you cut the jackfruit in half, you'll note its light green flesh, and a layer of seeds. These are easily scooped out with a spoon. Deseeded jackfruit can be chopped, cubed or sliced as per individual preference or recipe requirement.

Jackfruit cubes

Remove the outer rind and take out the fleshy interiors. Deseed the jackfruit and place the jackfruit on the chopping board. Cut it into small cubes with a sharp chopping knife and relish them as fresh fruit (when fully ripe) or as a vegetable(raw).

Jackfruit seeds

How to select jackfruit, phanas, fanas, kathal

Jackfruit can be purchased frozen, dried, or canned either in brine (usually unripe) or in syrup (ripe and sweet). If using fresh jackfruit, it's a good idea to oil your knife and hands first before cutting, as the fruit is very sticky. It should be firm and without any blemishes or soft spots. Ripe or raw fruit may be chosen as per recipe requirements.

Culinary Uses of jackfruit, phanas, fanas, kathal in Indian Cooking

· In India, jackfruit is eaten raw or used in curries, soups, and stews.
· It also flavours various deserts and is a common ingredient in fruit salads.
· In most countries, the fruit is either cooked with rice or eaten raw. Many cultures do not wait for the jackfruit to ripen but prepare it when it is still relatively small, unripe and crunchy.
· Certain recipes from Australia suggest serving jackfruit gravy over lamb or pickling the small unripe fruits. The other recipes are jackfruit patties, casserole, salad.

How to store jackfruit, phanas, fanas, kathal

Jackfruits turn brown and deteriorate quickly after ripening. Cold storage trials indicate that ripe fruits can be kept for 3 to 6 weeks at 52° to 55°F (11.11°-12.78°C) and relative humidity of 85 to 95%.

Health benefits of jackfruit, phanas, fanas, kathal

Jack fruit is rich in antioxidants carotenoids (the pigments that give jackfruit its yellow colour), which helps improve vision and reduce inflammation in the body and also help ward off harmful free radicals which other wise can be a cause of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Its high vitamin C is a good way to build immunity and fight bacteria and viruses. The potassium in it might help manage high blood pressure. Jackfruit is also loaded with carbs and thus a good source of energy. But this reasons makes it not so wise choice for weight watchers and diabetics. However more research on its affect on blood sugar level is under is yet needed.

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