Assessment of Consumption Practices of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) in the Villages of Jalalpur Block, District Ambedkar Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) India

A survey was carried out infive villages from Jalalpur Block, district Ambedkar Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) to assess the consumption practices of jackfruit as production and consumption of jackfruit is high in these areas. Information on use of jackfruit in daily diet and traditional preparations, cooking methods, preservation techniques, medicinal uses and other aspects of consumption of jackfruit was gathered. Results revealed that age of majority of respondent was > 45 years, literacy level 42percent. The respondents werefrom joint andnuclear family (50% each) and had annual family income of between the rupees 20, 000-40, 000. 74percent of the respondents were growing jackfruit tree in their households with one tree was possessed by the majority (60%) and having production up to one quintal (52%). Whole jackfruit and seeds both were consumed by 74percent of respondents. Majority (66%) consumed it occasionally in season (April-July) and preferred dishes of jackfruit and seeds were pickle, vegetable, kofta and pakoda (92%), cooking methods used were shallow fat frying, boiling and deep fat frying (100%). Only 14percent subjects knew about the medicinal values of jackfruit and 8percent were aware about the nutritional benefits of the fruits. Regarding the consumption of jackfruit in particular physiological conditions 36percent respondents had no knowledge while 10-14percent believed that jackfruit is beneficial in pregnancy and lactation.