Jackfruit Day is celebrated every year on July 4th – a day dedicated to a fruit that is sweet in taste, colossal in size, and versatile in use – the jackfruit. This day is a celebration of the fruit's versatility, health benefits, and global popularity.
Jackfruit is used in many parts of the world, including India, ranging from desserts to vegetables and even as a non-vegetarian substitute. The purpose of Jackfruit Day is to introduce this fruit to the world in a new light – not just for its taste, but also for its environmental and nutritional benefits.
Why is Jackfruit Day celebrated?
Jackfruit, the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, is known for its sweet taste, meat-like texture, and rich nutritional properties. This day is celebrated to highlight the multifaceted uses, health benefits, and cultural significance of this fruit.
Jackfruit is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, not only as a vegetarian food alternative but also traditionally as food, desserts, pickles, and vegetables in countries like India.
How to celebrate Jackfruit Day – With Fun and Flavor
1. Host a Jackfruit Theme Party
Organize a fun party with your friends and family where jackfruit is used in every dish. Jackfruit tikki, jackfruit biryani, jackfruit kheer, or jackfruit ice cream – you can make anything!
2. Try New Recipes
You can experiment with jackfruit in new ways – such as BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, jackfruit tikka, or jackfruit "tunamelt." This will not only be fun to eat, but you'll also become an expert in the kitchen.
3. Organize a Potluck Party
Ask everyone to bring their special jackfruit dish. This is a fun way to taste and understand the diversity of jackfruit.
4. Create Jackfruit Art and Crafts
Create crafts, paintings, or decorations on the jackfruit theme with children and family. This will make the festival even more colorful and creative.
5. Visit a Market or Jackfruit Festival
If there's a jackfruit festival happening in your city, be sure to go. There you will find different varieties of jackfruit and the opportunity to learn from locals.
6. Plant a Jackfruit Tree
If you have space, planting a jackfruit tree can be a great idea. You will surely get a sweet reward after a little effort.
7. Share Information
Share nutritional information, history, and interesting facts related to jackfruit on your social media. Tell people how useful and delicious this fruit is.
History of Jackfruit Day
Jackfruit Day originated in 2016. Its aim was to make the world aware of the taste, nutrition, and the use of jackfruit as a 'meat-substitute'.
Interestingly, in 1563, Portuguese scholar Garcia da Orta mentioned this fruit in India under the name 'Jaca'. Later, the fruit reached Jamaica in 1782 and then spread to many parts of the world.
In 2018, the Kerala government declared jackfruit as its official state fruit, further increasing its economic and cultural importance.
Nutritional Benefits of Jackfruit
Jackfruit is not only delicious but also rich in nutrition. It contains:
- Fiber: Aids in digestion
- Vitamin C: Boosts immunity
- Potassium: Beneficial for heart health
- Antioxidants: Protects the body from free radicals
- Low Fat and No Cholesterol: Helps in weight management
Jackfruit is also considered an excellent vegetarian meat substitute. Therefore, it is rapidly gaining popularity among vegans and health-conscious people.
Jackfruit Day is not just a celebration of a fruit, but a symbol of standing together for taste, nutrition, culture, and the environment. Include this special fruit in your home on July 4th, cook something new, share it with friends, and be a part of this jackfruit celebration.
