Exploring the Potential of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam)
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Asian Food Science Journal
Abstract
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical
areas worldwide. The tree is highly productive, resilient, and requires minimal care.
Jackfruit has a characteristic flavour and is highly versatile. Several studies report the importance
of the tree and fruits, ranging from food and medicine to the provision of several value-added
products. In spite of the many benefits the plant offers, it has not been sufficiently incorporated in
the general food system, partly because of gaps in processing, distribution and knowledge about
utilization methods and nutritional and nutraceutical value.
Objective: A comprehensive literature search was done to highlight jackfruit's nutritional, health,
and commercial benefits to promote its utilization.
Methodology: The literature search was conducted using three electronic databases with no
constraints on publication year. Over 200 studies on the nutritional properties of jackfruit and at
least 105 articles on the use of the various parts of the jack tree for their anticarcinogenic,
antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects were found.
Findings: Jackfruit has vital nutrients, including phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins,
carbohydrates, and proteins. The literature on utilization shows that the fruit can be processed into
commercial products using minimal processing technologies, dried to extend product shelf-life, or
processed into various value-added products.
Description
Keywords
Jackfruit, nutritional benefits, processing, value addition
Citation
Nansereko, S., & Muyonga, J. H. Exploring the Potential of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam).