<p>The demand for jackfruit, which is often referred to as 'vegetarian meat', soared manifold with non-vegetarians switching to vegetarian food in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. </p>.<p>Rumour mongering about non-vegetarian foods like chicken and mutton is compelling people to look for vegetarian sources. People seem to be opting for jackfruit because of its texture and high-nutritious value. </p>.<p>A storehouse of vitamins A and C, it is a food that boosts up immunity. A moderate amount of potassium, which is found in jackfruit, is considered good for people facing high blood pressure and heart ailments. </p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/coronavirus-live-updates-karnataka-reports-two-more-covid-19-positive-cases-tally-in-india-rises-to-125-799686.html" target="_blank"><strong>Follow live updates of coronavirus cases in India here</strong></a></p>.<p>"A lot of people are asking for jackfruit. It is available in limited quantity, we bring in limited quantity... it is difficult to meet the demand," said Raju, a vegetable vendor in the Mumbai metropolitan region. </p>.<p>From the family of Moraceae, jackfruit trees (<em>Artocarpus heterophyllus</em>), are found largely in Western Ghats and now grown almost everywhere. Known as '<em>kathal</em>' in Hindi, it is eaten as a vegetable when unripe and as fruit when it ripens. </p>.<p>While it is sold in small pieces, it generally is priced between Rs 60 to 80 per kg but now it is over Rs 120 per kg. </p>.<p>"The cultivation of jackfruit happens from January-February to June," said Aniket Konkar, a vegetable market analyst based in Ratnagiri district of coastal Konkan region. </p>.<p>In Southern Indian states of Maharashtra and West Bengal, it is cooked in various forms. Jackfruit chips and pickles have gained popularity pan-India. "Over the last few years with the growing concept of vegan and people shifting to vegetarianism, the demand has increased," said Konkar, adding that ready-to-eat jackfruit is now available in departmental stores and malls. </p>.<p>"It is a delicacy and looks like mutton and can be cooked like that," said Subroto Roy, a foodie.</p>
<p>The demand for jackfruit, which is often referred to as 'vegetarian meat', soared manifold with non-vegetarians switching to vegetarian food in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. </p>.<p>Rumour mongering about non-vegetarian foods like chicken and mutton is compelling people to look for vegetarian sources. People seem to be opting for jackfruit because of its texture and high-nutritious value. </p>.<p>A storehouse of vitamins A and C, it is a food that boosts up immunity. A moderate amount of potassium, which is found in jackfruit, is considered good for people facing high blood pressure and heart ailments. </p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/coronavirus-live-updates-karnataka-reports-two-more-covid-19-positive-cases-tally-in-india-rises-to-125-799686.html" target="_blank"><strong>Follow live updates of coronavirus cases in India here</strong></a></p>.<p>"A lot of people are asking for jackfruit. It is available in limited quantity, we bring in limited quantity... it is difficult to meet the demand," said Raju, a vegetable vendor in the Mumbai metropolitan region. </p>.<p>From the family of Moraceae, jackfruit trees (<em>Artocarpus heterophyllus</em>), are found largely in Western Ghats and now grown almost everywhere. Known as '<em>kathal</em>' in Hindi, it is eaten as a vegetable when unripe and as fruit when it ripens. </p>.<p>While it is sold in small pieces, it generally is priced between Rs 60 to 80 per kg but now it is over Rs 120 per kg. </p>.<p>"The cultivation of jackfruit happens from January-February to June," said Aniket Konkar, a vegetable market analyst based in Ratnagiri district of coastal Konkan region. </p>.<p>In Southern Indian states of Maharashtra and West Bengal, it is cooked in various forms. Jackfruit chips and pickles have gained popularity pan-India. "Over the last few years with the growing concept of vegan and people shifting to vegetarianism, the demand has increased," said Konkar, adding that ready-to-eat jackfruit is now available in departmental stores and malls. </p>.<p>"It is a delicacy and looks like mutton and can be cooked like that," said Subroto Roy, a foodie.</p>
