Jackfruit Day - Want to find out more about this amazing tropical fruit and how to celebrate Jackfruit Day? We’ve got it all figured out.

Jackfruit Day 2024 – July 4, 2024

Jackfruit Day is celebrated on July 4 every year. The tropical fruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, along with being the state fruit of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India. The fruit has spiky outer skin and is native to parts of South and South-East Asia. Today, the fruit is known as a popular meat substitute for people adhering to a plant-based diet. It is high in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet. Jackfruits are also referred to as ‘jak,’ ‘kathal,’ and ‘chakka,’ among other names.

History of Jackfruit Day

Humans have been consuming jackfruits for millennia. Though no one is completely certain of where the fruit came from, it is believed to be indigenous to the Western Ghats of India. The Jack tree, an evergreen tree, thrives in hot weather and moist tropical climates. The fruit is majorly produced within Asia, though attempts were made to grow the fruit in Hawaii before 1888. The word ‘jackfruit’ is derived from the Portuguese ‘jaca,’ and in turn from the Malayalam word ‘chakka.’ Portuguese naturalist and scholar Garcia da Orta used the English term ‘jackfruit’ in a book he wrote in 1563. As a result of colonialism, the jackfruit has made its rounds across the globe — it is now grown in several countries that used to be colonies of European empires.The fruit, thus, is used in cuisines across the world in several different forms. Jackfruit can be found in jams, pickles, ice creams, desserts, and all other types of meal preparations. Recently, the Global North has begun consuming jackfruit as a meat substitute due to its meat-like texture when cooked.The fruit has several varieties, each one fit to deliver a unique gastronomic experience. Ripened jackfruits are said to have a pungent odor that may be intimidating at first — which is probably why many people purchase unripened jackfruits to avoid it — the taste of the fruit is often described as ‘mellow.’ Jackfruit Day was established by jackfruitday.com in 2016 to raise awareness about the fruit and its versatility.

Jackfruit Day timeline

1563
Jaca is Identified

Portuguese scholar Garcia da Orta, a pioneer of tropical medicine identifies the ‘chakka’ fruit as ‘jaca.’

1782
The Fruit Reaches Jamaica

Jackfruit plants are captured alongside a French ship destined for Martinique and are taken to Jamaica.

2016
First Jackfruit Day

The first Jackfruit Day is celebrated.

2018
State fruit of Kerala

Jackfruit becomes the official state fruit of Kerala, India.

Jackfruit Day FAQs

What is jackfruit called in India?

It is called a variety of names in India, depending on the language — including ‘kathal’ (Hindi), ‘kothaal’ (Assamese), ‘chakka’ (Malayali), ‘phanas’ (Marathi), ‘ponos’ (Konkani), and’ halasa’ (Kannadiga).

Which city is famous for Jackfruit?

Panruti in Tamil Nadu, India is a famous destination for lovers of jackfruit.

Why does Jackfruit taste like meat?

Unripe jackfruit is used as a meat substitute. Because of its unripened nature, the fruit is tasteless on its own and takes on the flavor of its seasoning.

Jackfruit Day Activities

  1. Try eating Jackfruit raw

    Jackfruit is enjoyed across the globe raw. This Jackfruit Day, why not give the fruit a try?

  2. Try cooking something with Jackfruit in it

    Jackfruit can be cooked in a variety of ways. If you are so inclined, cook something with Jackfruit in it — be it savory or sweet.

  3. Try something with Jackfruit in it

    If neither cooking nor eating the fruit raw is your cup of tea, try to find an eatery around you that uses jackfruit as an ingredient and taste something new?

5 Interesting Facts About Jackfruit

  1. The largest fruit grown on a tree

    The jackfruit is the largest fruit that’s grown on a tree.

  2. A natural dye

    The bark of the jackfruit tree is used to dye the robes of Buddhist monks orange.

  3. It’s part of the Mulberry family

    The jackfruit tree belongs to the mulberry family.

  4. They are fruitful

    A mature jackfruit tree can yield between 100 to 200 fruits a year.

  5. They have a long lifespan

    The lifespan of a jackfruit tree is 60 to 70 years.

Why We Love Jackfruit Day

  1. It celebrates a versatile food source

    Jackfruits have been a part of cuisines across the globe. We fully support the celebration of such a versatile and nutritious food source.

  2. It raises awareness about jackfruit as a meat substitute

    The fruit is a well-liked meat substitute. Jackfruit Day may potentially introduce the fruit to people looking for a suitable meat substitute.

  3. It’s an excuse to try jackfruit if you haven’t before

    Jackfruit is a delightful gastronomic experience. This day is a perfect excuse to try out the fruit for the first time.

Jackfruit Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 July 4 Tuesday
2024 July 4 Thursday
2025 July 4 Friday
2026 July 4 Saturday
2027 July 4 Sunday