Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and is widely cultivated across tropical regions of India. Known as “Kathal” in Hindi and “Chakka” in Malayalam, jackfruit holds significant cultural, culinary, and nutritional value in India. The fruit is versatile—it can be consumed as a vegetable (unripe), as a sweet fruit (ripe), or processed into products like chips, flour, pickles, and desserts.
India is one of the largest producers of jackfruit, with states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam being the major growers. Jackfruit varieties in India differ in size, flavor, texture, and purpose (table fruit, vegetable use, or industrial processing).
This article highlights the top jackfruit varieties in India, their characteristics, cultivation regions, and uses.
1. Panruti Jackfruit
Panruti Jackfruit, from the Panruti region in Tamil Nadu, is a famous variety known for its sweet, honey-like flavor and firm texture.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (10–15 kg)
- Pulp: Sweet, golden yellow, firm
- Regions: Tamil Nadu (Panruti region)
- Uses: Table fruit, chips, and desserts
- Characteristics: Sweet, crunchy bulbs, less latex content
2. Chandra (Hybrid Jackfruit)
Chandra is a high-yielding hybrid variety developed for its consistent size and quality. It is widely cultivated for commercial purposes.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (10–12 kg)
- Pulp: Sweet, yellow, firm texture
- Regions: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Uses: Fresh consumption, processing
- Characteristics: Uniform fruits, high yield, early maturity
3. Varikka Chakka
Varikka Chakka is a premium variety grown in Kerala. It is known for its firm, crunchy bulbs and intense flavor, making it ideal for fresh consumption.
- Fruit Size: Medium (8–10 kg)
- Pulp: Thick, crunchy, and sweet
- Regions: Kerala
- Uses: Fresh fruit, cooking (unripe), chips
- Characteristics: Less latex, long shelf life
4. Barka (Barka Jackfruit)
Barka Jackfruit is a popular variety grown in West Bengal and other eastern states. It is prized for its large size and soft, juicy bulbs.
- Fruit Size: Large (15–20 kg)
- Pulp: Soft, sweet, and aromatic
- Regions: West Bengal, Odisha, Assam
- Uses: Fresh fruit, desserts, and juices
- Characteristics: Sweet flavor, tender bulbs
5. Thailand Jackfruit
Thailand Jackfruit, also known as Bangkok Jackfruit, is an exotic variety cultivated in parts of India. It is known for its giant fruit size and firm, crunchy bulbs.
- Fruit Size: Very large (20–30 kg)
- Pulp: Thick, crunchy, yellow, and sweet
- Regions: Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra
- Uses: Table fruit, processing (chips, flour)
- Characteristics: Large fruit, less latex, excellent shelf life
6. Muttom Varikka
Muttom Varikka is a local variety cultivated in Kerala, known for its firm bulbs and long shelf life. It is preferred for commercial cultivation.
- Fruit Size: Medium (8–12 kg)
- Pulp: Crunchy, firm, and sweet
- Regions: Kerala
- Uses: Table fruit, chips, and desserts
- Characteristics: Firm texture, less latex, highly productive
7. Lalbagh Madura (Sweet Jackfruit)
Lalbagh Madura is a popular variety grown in Karnataka and neighboring regions. It is known for its sweet flavor and high yield.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (8–15 kg)
- Pulp: Soft, yellow, and sweet
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Uses: Fresh consumption, cooking (unripe)
- Characteristics: Sweet and juicy bulbs, moderate latex content
8. Tenkasi Jackfruit
Tenkasi Jackfruit, from Tamil Nadu, is a well-known variety appreciated for its firm bulbs and intense sweetness. It has become a preferred choice for jackfruit enthusiasts.
- Fruit Size: Medium (8–10 kg)
- Pulp: Sweet, firm, and golden yellow
- Regions: Tamil Nadu
- Uses: Fresh fruit, chips, desserts
- Characteristics: Crunchy texture, sweet flavor
9. Cochin Jackfruit
Cochin Jackfruit is a traditional variety from Kerala, known for its soft and juicy bulbs. It is widely used for fresh consumption and cooking.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (10–15 kg)
- Pulp: Soft, sweet, and aromatic
- Regions: Kerala
- Uses: Table fruit, cooking, juices
- Characteristics: Juicy texture, aromatic flavor
10. Rudrakshi Jackfruit
Rudrakshi is a lesser-known variety from Karnataka, appreciated for its small, sweet bulbs and tender texture. It is mainly consumed fresh.
- Fruit Size: Small to medium (5–8 kg)
- Pulp: Sweet, tender, and aromatic
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Uses: Fresh fruit, pickles
- Characteristics: Small-sized, low latex content
FAQs
Q1: Which is the best jackfruit variety for fresh consumption?
A: Varieties like Panruti Jackfruit, Varikka Chakka, and Barka are excellent for fresh consumption due to their sweet and firm bulbs.
Q2: Which jackfruit variety has the least latex content?
A: Varikka Chakka and Thailand Jackfruit have very low latex content, making them easy to process.
Q3: Which variety of jackfruit is suitable for making chips?
A: Varieties like Panruti Jackfruit, Muttom Varikka, and Thailand Jackfruit are ideal for making crispy jackfruit chips.
Q4: What is the largest jackfruit variety grown in India?
A: Thailand Jackfruit is one of the largest, with fruits weighing up to 30 kg.
Q5: Where is jackfruit primarily grown in India?
A: Jackfruit is widely cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Northeastern states.
Conclusion
India is home to diverse jackfruit varieties, each offering unique flavors, textures, and commercial opportunities. Whether it’s the crunchy Panruti Jackfruit, the sweet Varikka Chakka, or the massive Thailand Jackfruit, farmers and consumers have numerous options. Jackfruit’s versatility makes it an essential crop for fresh consumption, cooking, and value-added products, positioning it as a “superfruit” in India’s agricultural landscape.
