The Secret Behind the White-Topped Jackfruits: Unveiling the Truth

11 September, 2024

Jackfruit is a popular fruit with an extended harvest season due to the introduction of various imported varieties. When transporting jackfruit over long distances, unripe fruits are typically harvested to facilitate easier handling and prevent premature ripening during transit.

Jackfruit is characterized by its thick, spiky skin, making it challenging to assess the quality of the flesh within. Traditionally, a common practice was to “test” the fruit by cutting or gouging a small portion to determine its ripeness and flavor.

Why is the top of the jackfruit gouged and covered with a white substance?

Consumers often express concern upon seeing jackfruit with a gouge on the top coated with a white substance. Some worry that it might be harmful chemicals used to induce ripening or preserve the fruit.

However, traders reveal that due to the difficulty in assessing the quality of jackfruit, they employ the “testing” method. This involves cutting a small portion at the top of the fruit to check for the amount of fiber and the size of the bulbs. This practice helps in evaluating the fruit without penetrating too deeply into its body.

Jackfruit with a Gouged and White-Coated Top

The exposed area makes the jackfruit susceptible to bacterial and insect infestation, leading to faster spoilage or over-ripening. Therefore, applying a disinfectant is necessary to protect the fruit. Traditionally, lime (calcium hydroxide) was used as a disinfectant, and it is still practiced today by some vendors.

Similar to the practice of coating the navel of pomelos with lime to prevent insect infestation through the natural openings.

Hence, after “testing” the jackfruit, lime is applied as a protective measure. This is especially relevant for the commonly cultivated Thai jackfruit variety, which tends to have issues with internal black fiber and rot. This practice explains why large wholesale markets often display jackfruits with gouged and lime-coated tops.

In contrast, jackfruits from smaller home gardens, sold directly by the growers, typically do not undergo this treatment. Historically, cultivation practices also differed, with fewer instances of natural insect infestations in the past compared to the present.

As quoted on VTV.vn, PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh, a former lecturer at the Institute of Biology and Food Technology (Hanoi University of Science and Technology), also confirms that the white substance is lime, as it is an inexpensive and effective disinfectant to prevent bacterial infiltration.

Jackfruit: A Fruit That Requires “Testing” for Quality Assessment

Tips for Choosing Ripe and Delicious Jackfruit

Jackfruits with gouged and lime-coated tops typically come from large commercial orchards. In contrast, jackfruits from small-scale growers who sell fruits from their own trees rarely exhibit this feature. Therefore, this characteristic can help you distinguish between commercially grown and homegrown jackfruits.

When selecting a jackfruit, pay attention to the spikes: Sharp, dense, and closely spaced spikes indicate an unripe or inferior fruit. Look for jackfruits with flatter spikes that are spaced further apart.

A ripe jackfruit will sound hollow when thumped, and you may also notice a distinct aroma, indicating its ripeness.

Frequently asked questions

The white-topped jackfruit is a rare variation of the common jackfruit, and its uniqueness lies in its distinctive color. While the typical jackfruit features a yellow or orange hue when ripe, the white-topped variety maintains a pale green or yellowish color with a distinct white blush on one side.

The unique coloration of white-topped jackfruits is attributed to a combination of genetic factors and specific growing conditions. These jackfruits are grown in regions with distinct microclimates, and the trees themselves possess a genetic variation that results in lower production of the pigment responsible for the orange or yellow color.

Yes, white-topped jackfruits are perfectly safe to consume and offer the same nutritional benefits as their orange or yellow counterparts. The unique color does not indicate any issues with ripeness or quality; it is simply a natural variation that makes these jackfruits stand out visually.

White-topped jackfruits are grown in specific regions, particularly in the southern provinces of Thailand. They are considered a local specialty and are sought-after by both locals and tourists for their unique appearance and delicious taste.

The taste of white-topped jackfruits is very similar to that of regular jackfruits. They offer a sweet and fruity flavor with a hint of tropical aroma. The texture is comparable to the regular jackfruit, featuring a dense and meaty consistency.

Determining the ripeness of a white-topped jackfruit can be slightly more challenging due to its unusual color. However, you can still use the same indicators as with regular jackfruits. Look for a slight softening of the fruit, a sweet fragrance, and a yellowish or pale green hue. The white blush on the side will also become more pronounced as the fruit ripens.

Growing a white-topped jackfruit tree requires access to specific genetic variations of the plant, and cultivating the optimal microclimate conditions. While it is possible to grow these trees, it may require sourcing the right seedlings or grafting specific branches onto existing jackfruit trees.