History

The exact origin of jackfruit is unknown, although it is believed to be indigenous to the rainforests of the Western Ghats of India, dating back to 3000 to 6000 years ago. Historians relate the discovery of jackfruits with the Indian Emperor, Ashoka, who encouraged the cultivation of several fruits, jackfruit being one of them. In 1782, certain plants were captured from a French ship and were taken to Jamaica and planted there. About 100 years later, the jackfruit appeared in Florida and was introduced into Brazil in the 19th century. Gradually, the fruit spread to other parts of India, Southeast Asia, East Indies and Philippines. Today, the jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh and Indonesia.