The jackfruit is the single largest fruit in the world that comes off a tree. It can weigh up to 35 kilograms and be 90 centimeters in length. The outside of the fruit is greenish yellow, and it has a thick leathery spiky skin. The sap inside is as sticky as glue, and it takes some work to get the fruit out. The fruit itself looks like large corn kernels and is fibrous and sweet.

The name 'jackfruit' is derived from the Malayalam term chakka. The Malayalam name chakka was recorded by Hendrik van Rheede in Hortus Malabaricus. The jackfruit has played a significant role in Indian agriculture for centuries. Archaeological findings in India have revealed that jackfruit was cultivated in India 3000 to 6000 years ago. The gum from this tree is used to repair small holes in pots. Apart from India, the jackfruit is cultivated in brazil, Philippines, Malaysia. it has a ripening season in Asia of late spring to late summer.

The flesh of a jackfruit is starchy, fibrous and is a source of dietary fiber. The varieties of jackfruit are distinguished according to the characteristics of the fruit's flesh. Even the wood , which will mature in 35-40 years, is very useful for making furniture. It is one of the rare fruits that are rich in B-complex group of vitamins. In south India , jackfruit is a popular food ranking next to mango and banana in total annual production.