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Veliyath Gardens

Cempedak Fruit Plant (Artocarpus integer)

Regular price 500.00
Regular price Sale price Rs. 500.00
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Plant Type

Cempedak Fruit Plant (Artocarpus integer)

(A Unique Tropical Delicacy with Cultural and Nutritional Significance)

Scientific Classification

  • Botanical Name: Artocarpus integer
  • Family: Moraceae (Mulberry family)
  • Native Range: Tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Common Names

  • English: Cempedak, Chempedak, Baroh
  • Malay and Indonesian: Cempedak, Chempedak Utan
  • Thai: Champada
  • Vietnamese: Mít Tố Nữ
  • Filipino: Tipolo
  • Jamaican: Jamaican Cempedak
  • Kenyan: Swahili-speaking regions call it Chempedak

Fruit Characteristics

  1. Appearance:
    The compound fruit is oblong in shape, spiky, and can range in color from yellow to brown when ripe. The fruit's size is similar to jackfruit but slightly smaller and lighter.

  2. Pulp:
    The edible pulp is golden-yellow, slimy, and juicy with a strong, distinctive aroma that some compare to durian. The pulp is surrounded by a thin, fibrous seed covering.

  3. Taste:

    • The flavor of ripe cempedak is sweet and tropical, with a combination of honey-like sweetness and subtle acidic undertones.
    • Unripe fruit has a neutral taste and absorbs spices and flavors well when cooked.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits

Nutritional Content (Per 100g of Edible Portion):

  • Calories: ~110
  • Carbohydrates: ~27g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~1.8g
  • Proteins: ~2.0g
  • Fats: ~0.5g
  • Vitamins:
    • Vitamin A: Supports eye health and skin regeneration.
    • Vitamin C: Enhances immunity and promotes collagen production.
    • Vitamin B6: Assists in brain development and mood regulation.
  • Minerals:
    • Potassium: Maintains heart and muscle function.
    • Calcium: Strengthens bones and teeth.
    • Magnesium: Boosts energy and aids in nerve functions.

Health Benefits:

  1. Minimizes Cancer Risk:
    The high fiber content and antioxidants, such as flavonoids, help reduce the risk of colon cancer by promoting healthy digestion.
  2. Supports Digestive Health:
    Rich in dietary fiber, it prevents constipation and improves gut health.
  3. Asthma Prevention:
    The fruit contains bioactive compounds that reduce the risk of respiratory issues like asthma.
  4. Boosts Immunity:
    Vitamin C in cempedak strengthens the immune system and fights free radicals.
  5. Heart Health:
    Potassium regulates blood pressure, and the low-fat content makes it heart-friendly.
  6. Energy Boost:
    Its natural sugars provide a quick and sustained source of energy.

Culinary Uses and Taste Profile

Taste Profile:

The ripe fruit is intensely sweet and aromatic, with a tropical flavor that is often likened to a mix of durian, jackfruit, and honey. Its spongy, slimy texture makes it unique and highly enjoyable.

Culinary Uses:

  1. Fresh Fruit:
    • Enjoyed raw as a refreshing dessert or snack.
  2. Fried Cempedak:
    • The fruit is dipped in flour batter and deep-fried, creating a crispy, sweet snack that is popular in Southeast Asia.
  3. Desserts:
    • Used in puddings, ice creams, and cakes.
  4. Unripe Fruit:
    • Cooked as a vegetable, added to curries, soups, or stir-fries.
  5. Seeds:
    • The seeds can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are rich in proteins.

Growth and Cultivation

Plant Characteristics:

  • Type: Fast-growing evergreen forest tree.
  • Height: Ranges between 10 to 24 meters with a dense, rounded canopy.

Growth Requirements:

  1. Climate:
    • Thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and consistent rainfall.
    • Can be grown in subtropical areas with warm temperatures.
  2. Soil:
    • Prefers well-drained, fertile soils, slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
  3. Sunlight:
    • Requires full sun to grow and bear fruit abundantly.
  4. Watering:
    • Requires regular watering during its juvenile stage but is relatively drought-tolerant as it matures.
  5. Fertilization:
    • Periodic application of organic compost or balanced fertilizers promotes healthy growth and fruiting.

Blooming and Fruiting:

The tree begins to flower and produce fruit within 3 to 4 years after planting. Proper care, including pruning and pest management, ensures a good yield.

Maintenance and Care

  1. Pruning:
    • Regularly remove dead or diseased branches to maintain the tree's shape and health.
  2. Mulching:
    • Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
  3. Pest Control:
    • Protect the tree from common pests like fruit flies and mealybugs by using organic sprays or traps.

Preservation and Storage

  1. Fresh Fruit:
    • Ripe cempedak is best consumed within 3-5 days of harvesting. Store in a cool place or refrigerate to extend its shelf life.
  2. Processed Forms:
    • The pulp can be frozen for future use in cooking or baking.
  3. Seeds:
    • Dry and store seeds in an airtight container to use as a snack or ingredient.

Cultural and Traditional Significance

  1. Southeast Asia:
    • In Malaysia and Indonesia, cempedak is celebrated in local cuisines and markets, symbolizing abundance.
  2. Environmental Importance:
    • The tree provides shade and contributes to biodiversity, supporting wildlife and stabilizing soil.
  3. Sustainability:
    • Every part of the tree is utilized, from the fruit to the wood, promoting sustainable living.

Environmental Benefits

  1. Carbon Absorption:
    The tree acts as a carbon sink, reducing greenhouse gases.
  2. Erosion Control:
    The roots help prevent soil erosion in tropical regions.

How Cempedak Enhances Your Life

  1. Delicious and Nutritious:
    A perfect blend of tropical sweetness and health benefits.
  2. Versatile Ingredient:
    Its culinary adaptability allows for innovative dishes in your kitchen.
  3. Sustainable Living:
    Planting and consuming cempedak supports environmental conservation.
  4. Garden Beautification:
    Its evergreen canopy enhances the aesthetics of tropical gardens.

Conclusion

The Cempedak Fruit Plant (Artocarpus integer) is a tropical marvel that seamlessly combines culinary delight, nutritional richness, and environmental significance. From its unique aroma and delectable taste to its health benefits and cultural importance, cempedak is truly a treasure of the tropics. Whether you’re a gardener, a fruit lover, or someone seeking a sustainable lifestyle, this low-maintenance tree is a valuable addition to your home or garden.

Planting and Care

Climate:
Thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and consistent rainfall.
Can be grown in subtropical areas with warm temperatures.
Soil:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soils, slightly acidic to neutral in pH.

Special Feature

Supports Digestive Health:
Rich in dietary fiber, it prevents constipation and improves gut health.
Asthma Prevention:
The fruit contains bioactive compounds that reduce the risk of respiratory issues like asthma.
Boosts Immunity:
Vitamin C in cempedak strengthens the immune system and fights free radicals.
Heart Health:
Potassium regulates blood pressure, and the low-fat content makes it heart-friendly.

Uses/Benefits

The Cempedak Fruit Plant (Artocarpus integer) is a tropical marvel that seamlessly combines culinary delight, nutritional richness, and environmental significance. From its unique aroma and delectable taste to its health benefits and cultural importance, cempedak is truly a treasure of the tropics.