Jackpot of sweetness: Goa’s summer treasure

Samrudhdi Kerkar

JACKFRUIT JOY

Jackfruit is one of the most awaited fruits during the summer season in Goa. Locally known as fanas, every part of this tree finds its way into Goan kitchens and culture.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

THORNY, YET TENDER

Spiky on the outside, honey-sweet within, the jackfruit is a summer favourite and yet, a strange delight. There are two varieties— Kaapo and Rasal, but to eat raw, nothing beats the Kaapo.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

A STICKY TASK

Cutting open a jackfruit is no easy feat — its sticky sap clings to everything. That’s why coconut oil is applied on hands and the knife used to separate the golden arils from its sticky core.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

SHEK DELIGHT

The slightly raw jackfruit is used to make 'shek', a tasty local delicacy served on Macaranga peltata leaves.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition |Shek | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

TENDER BITE

The tender jackfruit, or Kuvlo, is typically boiled with salt and enjoyed on its own. It can also be added to curries, or cooked as a vegetable dish with a tempering of mustard seeds.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition |Kuvlo | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

ECO HERITAGE

In the past, jackfruit leaves were stitched together with small portions of coconut sticks to craft toys and eco-plates called pataravali.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | Eco heritage | Plates | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

CRUNCHY CHIPS

Golden arils are thinly sliced, fried and tossed in salt. These irresistibly crunchy jackfruit chips are a delicacy during this time.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | Jackfruit chips | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

PICKLED GOODNESS

The fibrous middle of the jackfruit, with its unique texture, is infused with a blend of spices. This traditional delicacy offers a burst of flavour as an accompaniment to a meal.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | Pickles | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

PAPAD CRUNCH

The sweet, soft pulp of the jackfruit is carefully spread out and sun-dried, transforming into crispy papads. Once dried to perfection, they’re ready to be tossed into the frying pan.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition |Papad | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

SWEET SATHA

A sun-dried, chapati-like sweet treat called satha is made from ripe jackfruit pulp. The pulp is carefully flattened and sun-dried to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | Satha | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

SEED SNACK

The seeds or bhikna, are roasted or boiled to enjoy as a tea-time snack. These seeds are traditionally stored in mud to keep them fresh throughout the year.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | Jackfruit seeds | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

TIMBER OF TRADITION

The bark of jackfruit tree is used to make the traditional dough-kneading bowl called 'Maan' and the wooden sitting plank known as 'Paat'.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | Wood | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

FODDER FROM WASTE

Even the tough outer rind of the jackfruit finds its purpose for serving as wholesome fodder for cattle. Often overlooked, this hard part of the fruit provides essential nutrients to livestock.

Goa | Jackfruit | Summer Fruit | Goan Tradition | Tropical fruit | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

NEXT: Explore the wild charm of Goa's Talvacho Sado