Jackfruit: The Largest Tree Fruit in the World
Native to the Indian rainforest, the jackfruit can weigh over 50kg and feed a family. The story of this overlooked giant, and how to grow one.
The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest tree fruit in the world. Individual fruits routinely weigh 10-25kg and the largest on record have exceeded 50kg. Native to the rainforests of India's Western Ghats, the jackfruit has been cultivated across South and Southeast Asia for thousands of years โ but is only now becoming widely known in Western markets as a plant-based meat substitute.
Origin and history
Wild Artocarpus heterophyllus is native to the Western Ghats of southwestern India. Cultivation dates back at least 6,000 years; Indian agricultural texts of the 1st century CE describe jackfruit cultivation in detail. The fruit spread through Buddhist trade routes to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Portuguese traders introduced jackfruit to East Africa and Brazil in the 1500s.
Where jackfruit grows today
India produces the vast majority of jackfruit globally (most for domestic consumption). Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil are also major producers.
How to grow jackfruit
- Climate: True tropical. USDA Zones 10-11. Frost kills.
- Soil: Deep, well-drained loam, pH 6.0-7.5.
- Sun: Full sun.
- Spacing: Standard trees 8-12m tall โ need 6-8m apart.
- Planting: From a grafted seedling for known fruit quality.
- Watering: Heavy and consistent in dry season.
- Fertilizing: Annual NPK + organic matter.
- First fruit: 3-7 years.
How to use jackfruit
Ripe jackfruit: sweet, fragrant, custard-like; eaten fresh in pieces. Unripe (green) jackfruit: starchy, neutral flavor that absorbs spices; shredded into "pulled-pork" style curries and a meat substitute in vegan cuisine. Each fruit contains 100-500 large seeds (called "bulbs" inside), which are also edible boiled or roasted with a chestnut-like texture.
Bottom line
A 50kg rainforest tree fruit that feeds an entire village in South Asia. Plant one in any tropical garden and have decades of fruit โ and as much as your family can eat.