Jackfruit:A timeless tale of culture and the fruit that nourished generations in Kerala

Jackfruit is one of India’s most versatile fruits, closely associated with Kerala’s culture and traditions, and valued as a symbol of heritage, community, and local cuisine. Widely grown in various states of India, the jackfruit is a fruit known by different names. In Kerala, it is called Chakka; in Karnataka, Halasina Hannu; in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Phanes; in Goa, Ponos; in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Panasa Pandu; in Tamil Nadu, Halacina Hannu; and in the North, Kathal.

For centuries, Jackfruit has been an important part of Indian food culture. Raw jackfruit is cooked as a vegetable and known for its meat-like texture, while ripe jackfruit is enjoyed for its sweet taste and eaten fresh or used in traditional dishes, snacks and desserts.

The Story Behind the Name Jackfruit

Jackfruit, believed to have originated in Kerala, India, is known as "Chakka" in Kerala, the fruit's traditional name. When Portuguese traders arrived in India via the sea link, they pronounced the fruit as "Jaca." Jaca was later transformed into Jack or Jackfruit by English-speaking people. The fruit is now recognised worldwide; however, its name is still associated with the traditional term "Chakka" in Kerala.

Freshly cut ripe jackfruit segments displayed on a banana leaf, ready for street sale and eager customers.

The Story of Marthanda Varma and the Sacred Jackfruit Tree

Every Malayali loves the story of the sacred jackfruit tree and Prince Marthanda Varma. Long ago, a young prince was running away from his enemies to take safe shelter; tired and with fear, he reached Neyyattinkara, a historic town located near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and found a huge jackfruit tree.

A boy who looked after cows came & showed him a hollow space inside the tree where he could hide himself safely from enemies. When the danger had passed, the prince realised that the boy was Lord Krishna himself, who came here to save his life.

Marthanda later was crowned as a king and constructed the Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swami Temple. The jackfruit tree that shielded him earned the name Ammachi Plavu, meaning “Grandmother Jackfruit Tree.

In Kerala, people still visit the temple with faith and worship the sacred jackfruit tree that once saved the life of Prince Marthanda Varma—a symbol of their deep love and belief.

A majestic jackfruit tree, laden with ripe fruit, stands tall in a lush garden in Tamil Nadu,

India's 1972 Food Crisis: The Role of Jackfruit as a Crucial Resource During Scarcity

In 1972, India went through one of its worst food shortages. Weak monsoon rains led to a severe drought, and food grain production fell sharply. To prevent famine, the government brought in a type of sorghum( Millet) called milo from the United States. Sadly, the bread made from this grain was rough and hard to eat.

Deep-rooted and hardy, jackfruit trees survived the dry conditions and produced huge fruits. Across coastal India, from Gujarat and Konkan to Kerala and West Bengal, families relied on jackfruit to get through the difficult months.

A jackfruit seller expertly carves a ripe jackfruit on the streets of Mylapore, Chennai.

Because it helped people survive during times of scarcity, jackfruit came to be known as a "hunger crop." Although it was once considered a poor man's food, scientists today see it differently.

With its ability to withstand drought and provide nutritious food, Jackfruit is now recognised as a climate-resilient crop and a valuable resource for future food security.

In times of crisis, the Jackfruit tree proved that sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones quietly growing in our backyards.

(All photographs clicked & copyrighted by the owner www.commonman.co.in.)

*Images are edited with @googlegemini