As mango season comes to an end, the city of Mysuru in India is embracing the arrival of the Sultan of fruits, the jackfruit. Over the weekend, the Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry was filled with jackfruit-loving crowds at the two-day Jackfruit Mela, where various types of the fruit were available for purchase. People flocked to buy bulk amounts of the delicious fruit, as well as saplings to grow at home.
The event not only provided an opportunity for people to taste the different types of the fruit and its delicacies, but also aimed to educate visitors about the nutritional value of jackfruit, which includes vitamins, fibre, and phytochemicals. Additionally, value-added organic products like pulses, cold press oil, and desi rice were available for purchase too.
Organized by Sahaja Samrudha, the event introduced two new varieties of jackfruit – Shankara and Siddu – that were designed by local farmers. The institute also promoted a variety of jackfruits such as Rudrakshi Halasu, Tubagere Halasu, and the Vietnamese Super Early, amongst others.
The purpose of organising the jackfruit mela is to encourage people to taste new varieties. This apart, people are also being enlightened about jackfruit’s nutritional values, which include vitamins, phytochemicals and fibre. This apart, we are also promoting delicacies such as jams, papads and chips made out of jackfruit, said Vishwanath Anekatte, the event’s administrator.
The organizers also held various activities to attract visitors, including a drawing competition for children, a jackfruit cooking competition and a jackfruit eating competition. Visitors found the event enjoyable, with many excited to try new varieties of jackfruit.
The mela gives an opportunity to see and taste varieties of jackfruits and its delicacies. Jackfruit is one of my favourite fruits, said Roshini, a resident of Kuvempu Nagar.
All in all, the Jackfruit Mela was a great success. With an emphasis on education about nutritional value as well as offering value-added products, this event was both entertaining and informative.
