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. In a world increasingly moving toward plant-based and sustainable diets, jackfruit has found renewed relevance. Globally, it is now being used as a meat alternative in burgers, tacos, and curries.
International Jackfruit Day is a timely reminder that when we invest in our indigenous resources with care, science, and creativity, we can create sustainable pathways for progress. 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.
Presentation – Dibyabharati Nayak