Jackfruit (Langka) Health Benefits

Jackfruit is available in the Philippines during summer. Here in our locality I was able to buy a 2-feet long fruit at only PhP 85.00. The price is very reasonable considering that although it is a very large fruit, only around 30% of it can be eaten. Its green to brownish yellow skin has numerous small spines all over. When cut it will exude a gummy latex paste which can be prevented to stick on hands by applying cooking oil beforehand. The sweet golden yellow bulbs (photo) embedded in fibrous filaments will be exposed.

The fruit is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins especially vitamins A and C, and potassium. It has also anti-ulcer, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties. It is believed that its root can be use as prophylaxis for asthma and for certain skin conditions.

The fruit can be enjoyed either raw or cooked. We love to use it as an ingredient in halo-halo, ice candy, in pies and lots of other deserts. We also use it together with saba banana in making lumpia (fruits wrapped in lumpia wrapper then fried). Jackfruit can also be cooked in coconut cream when still unripe. Its seeds can either be roasted or boiled then eaten.