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Farm Facts: Florida Jackfruit

Florida jackfruit facts
Photo credit: iStock/earleliason

Native to western India, jackfruit has been grown in Florida for more than a century. When fully ripened, they have a sweet flavor and can be enjoyed raw or used in everything from soups and salads to desserts.

Check out these fun facts about Florida jackfruit:

  • Jackfruit are harvested in Florida from May to November.
  • Jackfruit trees grow best in South and lower Central Florida.
  • Capable of reaching 100 pounds, jackfruit are the largest tree fruits in the world.
  • Jackfruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium and iron.
  • Jackfruit can be eaten fresh, dried, fried or roasted, or used in products like chips, jams, juices and ice creams.
  • A mature jackfruit tree can produce about 100 to 200 fruits in a year.
  • Jackfruit seeds are edible and can be boiled, roasted or ground into flour.
  • Jackfruit are also called “alligator fruit” in some parts of the world due to their outer appearance.

See more: Fun Facts About Florida Blueberries

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Sources: fdacs.gov, npr.org