Our Jackfruit Tree: Nurturing Growth and Cultural Significance
Our backyard jackfruit (Kathal) tree, laden with its luscious fruits, stood as a powerful reminder of life’s simple yet profound lessons.
In the olden days, our elders often spoke about the multiple uses of jackfruit (Kathal). When raw, it can be made into a delicious achhar (pickle) or cooked into a sabzi (vegetable dish) that many believe tastes as good as, if not better than, mutton or chicken.
It serves as an excellent vegetarian alternative for those who don’t consume non-veg.
When ripe, this fruit, known in some places as “koa,” becomes a sweet treat. The seeds, too, have a unique taste and can be cooked separately.
In many North Indian households, Kathal was considered a luxurious dish, cherished in both its raw and ripe forms.
Its significance has even been highlighted in various OTT series.
For instance, in the series Panchayat, Vidhayak ji asks Pradhan ji to bring Kathal over lauki, emphasizing its cultural importance. Additionally, the movie Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery on Netflix further showcases the fruit’s significance in Indian culture.
Our ancestors valued jackfruit not only for its taste but also for its health benefits, which have been backed by credible sources. Jackfruit is known to:
– Boost immunity with its rich vitamin C content.
– Improve digestion due to its high fiber.
– Provide a natural source of energy with essential nutrients like potassium and antioxidants.
Seeing this tree reminds me that our professional and personal endeavors require:
– Time and consistent effort.
– A nurturing environment.
– Staying rooted in our values.
With these in mind, we can achieve bountiful outcomes just like this tree does with its fruits.
P.S.: Add jackfruit (Kathal) to your diet for its delicious taste and numerous health benefits, just as our ancestors did!
