Definition of the word jackfruit

The word "jackfruit" derives from the Malayalam word "chana," which means fruit in the local language. The Portuguese explorers who arrived in India's Malabar coast in the 15th century heard the word "chana" being used for this unique fruit and interpreted it as "xakka" in their language. Over time, this Tamil and Malayalam word transformed into "jacca" in Portuguese, and later, the British adopted the spelling as "jack." The scientific name for jackfruit is Artocarpus heterophyllus, and its origin can be traced back to the tropical regions of South Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 3,000 years for its edible fruits, seeds, and medicinal properties. Now widely popular around the world for its versatility in culinary and health benefits, jackfruit is considered a valuable tree crop with high economic potential.