When you hear people talk about Bangladesh’s fruit identity, the answer is almost always the Bangladesh national fruit. It’s not a mango or a banana - it’s the massive, spiky jackfruit, known locally as kathal. Below we explore why this tropical giant holds such a special place in Bengali culture, how it grows across the delta, and the many ways it shows up on your plate during festivals and everyday meals.
What Makes Jackjack the National Fruit?
Jackfruit is a large, tropical fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) prized for its sweet flesh, versatile texture, and nutritional punch. In Bangladesh, the government officially declared jackfruit the national fruit in 2013, recognizing its abundance, cultural relevance, and economic value.
Bangladesh’s deltaic landscape provides the perfect mix of humidity, warm temperatures, and fertile alluvial soil that jackfruit trees love. The fruit grows on trees that can reach 20 meters tall and can bear up to 200 fruits in a single season, making it a reliable source of food for millions.
Historical Roots and Cultural Symbolism
Jackfruit has been part of Bengali life for centuries. Ancient texts like the Mahabharata mention the fruit, and archaeological finds show jackfruit seeds in sites dating back over 2,000 years. In folk songs and poems, Bangladesh is often described as the "land of kathal" for its ubiquitous groves.
Beyond nourishment, the fruit symbolizes hospitality. Offering a slice of ripe jackfruit to a guest is a traditional gesture of welcome, especially during the summer months when the fruit is at its peak.
Botanical Basics: Understanding the Tree
- Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Family: Moraceae (same family as figs and mulberries)
- Height: 10-25 meters, with a broad, spreading canopy
- Fruit weight: 5-30 kg, sometimes even larger
- Seasonality: Primarily June to August, though some varieties fruit year‑round
The tree thrives in the humid, subtropical climate of Bangladesh’s lowlands, particularly in the districts of Rajshahi, Jamalpur, and Rangpur. Smallholder farmers often plant jackfruit in mixed orchards alongside mango, banana, and coconut, maximizing land use.
Where Jackfruit Grows: Regional Hotspots
Jackfruit cultivation stretches from the fertile plains of the Ganges‑Brahmaputra delta to the hilly regions of Sylhet. Here’s a quick look at three key areas:
- Rajshahi Division: Known for its sandy loam soils, the region produces sweet, aromatic varieties like ‘Bari’ and ‘Banglabhumi’.
- Khulna District: Proximity to the Sundarbans means many small farms grow jackfruit for both fresh consumption and processing.
- Sylhet Region: The cooler highlands yield firmer, less fibrous flesh, ideal for making jams and pickles.
Culinary Magic: How Bangladesh Uses Jackfruit
Jackfruit’s versatility shines in Bengali kitchens. Its young, unripe flesh (called kathal bhorta when boiled and mashed) mimics the texture of meat, while the ripe pods become desserts and sweets.
- Rui Kathal: A traditional fish‑and‑jackfruit curry where the fruit absorbs the rich mustard‑spiced gravy.
- Kathal Bhorta: Mashed unripe jackfruit mixed with garlic, chilies, and mustard oil - a staple side dish.
- Kathal Pitha: Sweet rice cakes layered with ripe jackfruit pulp, popular during winter festivals.
- Jackfruit Jam: Sun‑dried slices boiled with sugar and a hint of cardamom, bottled for export.
Because the fruit is high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C, it also plays a role in nutrition programs targeting rural families.
Jackfruit in Bengali Festivals
During the harvest season, several local festivals celebrate the fruit:
- Kathal Utsav (Jackfruit Festival): Held in early July in Rajshahi, the event showcases cooking demos, contests for the biggest fruit, and cultural performances.
- Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh): Street vendors line the streets with fresh jackfruit slices, symbolizing prosperity for the year ahead.
- Durga Puja: While not centered on jackfruit, many pandals serve traditional jackfruit sweets alongside typical Bengali treats.
Jackfruit vs. Other Popular Bangladeshi Fruits
| Fruit | Season | Typical Use | Key Nutrient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackfruit | June‑August | Curry, bhorta, sweets, jam | Vitamin A |
| Mango | April‑June | Fresh, pickles, chutney | Vitamin C |
| Banana | Year‑round | Snacks, smoothies, desserts | Potassium |
| Lychee | May‑July | Fresh, syrups, desserts | Vitamin B6 |
The table shows why jackfruit stands out: it’s larger, can be used both unripe and ripe, and carries a cultural weight that mango or banana simply can’t match.
Choosing, Storing, and Preparing Jackfruit
Even though the fruit can be intimidating, picking a good one is easy if you follow these tips:
- Check the skin: Look for a uniform green‑yellow color with a slight glossy sheen. Avoid bruises or dark spots.
- Tap test: A ripe fruit will produce a hollow sound when tapped near the stem.
- Weight: Heavier fruits are usually juicier.
To store unripe jackfruit, keep it in a cool, shaded area for up to two weeks. Once ripe, wrap the cut halves in banana leaves or a damp cloth and refrigerate for three to four days.
When handling the spiky exterior, wear gloves or use a thick kitchen towel. Cut the fruit open, remove the fibrous core, and separate the flesh from the seeds. The seeds can be boiled or roasted for a protein‑rich snack.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Jackfruit contributes significantly to Bangladesh’s agrarian economy. According to the Ministry of Agriculture (2023), jackfruit production reached 2.5 million tonnes, supporting over 3 million livelihoods. Export potential is rising, with processed jackfruit products finding markets in the Middle East and Europe.
Researchers are developing dwarf varieties suited for urban orchards, aiming to bring the fruit into city balconies. Climate‑resilient strains are also being cultivated to cope with erratic monsoon patterns.
Quick Checklist: Jackfruit Essentials
- Know the season: June‑August for peak freshness.
- Pick firm, green‑yellow fruits without bruises.
- Use gloves to handle the spiky rind.
- Separate flesh from seeds; both are edible.
- Store ripe fruit in the fridge, unripe in cool shade.
- Explore traditional dishes: bhorta, curry, pitha.
Mini‑FAQ
Why is jackfruit the national fruit of Bangladesh?
Jackfruit is abundant across the country, provides both food and economic value, and carries deep cultural symbolism linked to hospitality and harvest celebrations.
Can I eat jackfruit raw?
Yes, the ripe pods are sweet and can be eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or turned into desserts. Unripe jackfruit is usually cooked before eating.
What nutrients does jackfruit provide?
It’s rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and small amounts of protein, making it a balanced source of energy.
How do I store jackfruit to keep it fresh?
Unripe fruit stays fresh in a cool, shaded place for up to two weeks. Once ripe, wrap the cut sections in banana leaves or a damp cloth and refrigerate for 3‑4 days.
Are there any festivals dedicated to jackfruit?
Yes, the annual Kathal Utsav in Rajshahi celebrates the fruit with cooking contests, cultural shows, and exhibitions of the biggest jackfruits.
Can jackfruit be used as a meat substitute?
The young, unripe jackfruit’s fibrous texture mimics pulled pork or chicken, making it popular in vegetarian dishes worldwide.
What are the major jackfruit‑producing regions in Bangladesh?
Key regions include Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, each offering distinct flavor profiles due to soil and climate differences.
How does jackfruit impact Bangladesh’s economy?
With production exceeding 2.5 million tonnes annually, jackfruit supports millions of farmers, creates processing jobs, and fuels export growth of jams, chips, and canned products.
Next Steps for Curious Food Lovers
If you’re planning a trip to Bangladesh, try the following:
- Visit a local market in Rajshahi during July to see the biggest jackfruits on display.
- Join a cooking workshop that teaches you how to make kathal bhorta and rui kathal curry.
- Attend the Kathal Utsav festival for a full cultural immersion.
Even if you’re staying home, you can bring the taste of Bangladesh to your kitchen by buying frozen jackfruit slices online and experimenting with the recipes above.