Introduction
Thailand pink jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus ‘Taaboo’), is a relatively rare variety of jackfruit that is prized for its unique color and flavor. This variety has a green exterior and a pinkish-red interior when ripe. Its flavor is described as sweet and fruity, with a texture that is soft and juicy. The seeds of the pink jackfruit can also be roasted and eaten as a snack.
Jackfruit trees, including the Thailand Pink Jackfruit plant, are known to be large, long-lived trees that can grow up to 80 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. In the right conditions, these trees can live for more than 100 years. The pink jackfruit plant is a popular ornamental tree in some regions due to its striking appearance and unique fruit.
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Benefits
Rich in nutrients:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and other important nutrients.
May help regulate blood pressure:
Like other jackfruit varieties, Thailand Pink Jackfruit is high in potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
May improve digestion:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit is high in fiber, which can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. It also contains enzymes that can aid in digestion.
May help regulate blood sugar:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit contains natural sugars that can help regulate blood sugar levels. It also has a low glycemic index, which means it won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
May boost immunity:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and protect against infections.
May promote skin health:
The vitamin C and antioxidants in Thailand Pink Jackfruit can help protect against skin damage from UV radiation and pollution. It also contains compounds that can help promote collagen production, which is important for healthy skin.
Delicious and versatile:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit has a sweet and fruity flavor that makes it a great addition to a variety of dishes. It can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used as a meat substitute in vegan or vegetarian dishes.
Planting care
Sunlight:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil:
These plants grow best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure the soil is not waterlogged or too dry.
Watering:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit plants need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Fertilization:
These plants require regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 ratio every two to three months during the growing season.
Pruning:
Prune your Thailand Pink Jackfruit plant to maintain its shape and size. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other.
Pest and disease control:
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect your plant, such as fruit flies, mealybugs, and powdery mildew. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or other appropriate remedies.
Harvesting:
Thailand Pink Jackfruit plants typically produce fruit in the summer months. The fruit is ready to harvest when it is slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet fragrance. Cut the fruit from the tree with a sharp knife, leaving a small stem attached.
Propagation
Thailand Pink Jackfruit can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means such as grafting or air layering. Here are the steps for each method:
Seed propagation:
- Collect ripe jackfruit seeds and remove any fleshy fruit residue.
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell.
- Plant the seeds in a pot or directly in the ground about 1 inch deep and cover with soil.
- Keep the soil moist and place the pot or planting area in a warm, sunny location.
- The seedling should emerge from the soil in about 1-2 weeks.
Vegetative propagation:
Grafting:
Take a cutting from a mature Thailand Pink Jackfruit tree and graft it onto a rootstock of another jackfruit variety or a closely related species. This method ensures that the new tree will produce fruit similar to the parent tree.
Air layering:
Select a healthy branch from a mature Thailand Pink Jackfruit tree and remove a section of bark about 6 inches long. Cover the exposed area with damp sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic to create a seal. In a few weeks, roots should develop from the exposed area. Cut the rooted section from the parent tree and plant it in a pot or directly in the ground.
