Chapter 1
A botanical beast from the branch
Chapter 2
The ultimate culinary shapeshifter
Chapter 3
Cultural king and historical hero
YOUR GOAL
Master of The wild and heavy world of the giant jackfruit
Ch 3 · Cultural king and historical hero
artiteacher Ammachi Plavu Jackfruit Tree
He jumped in the hollow tree! (Slipped inside!) Yeah, the jackfruit saved the king! (Saved his life!)
artiteacher These stolen Indian plants traveled through Mauritius to King Louis XVI, who marveled at the bizarre, giant fruit.
artiteacher Monks in golden robes gather jackfruit wood in a warm watercolor forest
Fun Fact
Termite-proof wood: Jackfruit wood contains natural chemical compounds that make it completely immune to termite attacks, making it highly sought-after for building houses.
Glossary
jackfruit (noun)
A large tropical Asian tree of the mulberry family, or its very large edible fruit. In the 18th century, a hollow jackfruit tree in Kerala famously sheltered King Marthanda Varma.
A large tropical Asian tree of the mulberry family, or its very large edible fruit. In the 18th century, a hollow jackfruit tree in Kerala famously sheltered King Marthanda Varma.
Quiz
What traditional Indian stringed instrument is often crafted from durable jackfruit wood?
Quiz
Portuguese explorers in 1498 first recorded the local Malayalam name 'chakka', which became:
Quiz
Why is the jackfruit tree considered an excellent crop for combating climate change?
Quiz
In 1782, which European king received jackfruit specimens captured from a British ship?