Jackfruit, or Langka as we call it is a unique and delicious tropical fruit which grows abundantly here in the Philippines. The ripe fruit is very large, sometimes reaching up to 5 feet in length! When opened it has a number of sweet, yellow rubber-like pods that contain seeds, which are often already germinating. Compared to other fruits, Jackfruit has a high protein content of 3% and also a lot of carbohydrates. Because of this, unripe fruits are often used as meat substitutes for vegetarians. Aside from protein, Langka also provides a very balanced supply of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.
Effects On Immunity
As you can see above, Jackfruit offers you a little bit of everything. This in itself is of great value, as you know that by including a few peices of jackfruit into your daily diet, you ensure that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Pyrodoxine, or Vitamin B6 is present in high amounts This is an important nutrient for your adaptive immunity. There is also a good amount of Vitamin C, a multi-purpose nutrient for you immune system and an antioxidant as well.
Magnesium and Manganese are two important nutrients for innate immunity as well, supporting the function of macrophages and interferons.
Antioxidant Profile
Jackfruits are also rich in antioxidants, substances that relieve oxidative stress by removing free radicals from our body. The most abundant antioxidants in Jackfruit are Carotenoids and Flavavones that are both anti-inflammatory in nature.
COVID Resistance: Vitamin B6 is needed for your body to produce Lymphocytes, the main cells of your adaptive immunity, which protects you from variants. Magnesium and Manganese support your initial defenses against all viruses.
Antioxidants have been shown to play a big role in avoiding severe symptoms, as studies have shown that progression of symptoms is directly connected to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Special Information
Langka is a wonderfully versatile fruit which can be used in savory dishes and eaten fresh as well. I have not been able to find nutritional values of unripe Jackfruit, but it likely has small variations. Seeds from the ripe fruit should be put in a shallow dish of water immediately after eating if you intend to plant them. Wait for the small root to come out and then plant the seed in a seedling bag about 1’ deep. Jackfruit trees usually fruit within 5-7 years.
Choose Organic
As far as I know, Jackfruit is generally grown organically. The fruit is not easily attacked by pests and the tree is able to grow without much fertilization. The only pests that Jackfruit has are birds which are able to penetrate the thick skin with their beaks. Fruit flies can also be an issue but wrapping it in a sack can deter them. As always it helps to ask, as those grown as side crops in conventional orchards may have some pesticide drift residues.