So, we know that roughly about 21,000 people die of starvation every day, according to a report from the United Nations. If you analyze this, the numbers come down to around 1 person every 4 seconds, which means that by the time you reach the end of this article and watch the video, almost 45 people would have died.
That’s 45 people with names, families, who died in some remote corner of the world, from hunger and starvation, one of the worst and most painful ways to die.
When you look at these numbers you can’t help but feel there could be more that could have been done to save people from such a horrible fate- with such advanced technologies available to us in this day and age it seems almost ludicrous to even imagine that so many people can be suffering.
Just the money it takes to create 10 fighter jets could help provide food and water for 10,000 families for the next 10 years! Yet it hasn’t been done until now, which goes to show government policies can’t solve this problem. The solution therefor has to come from nature, and as with everything nature doesn’t disappoint.
Meet the Jackfruit
Artocarpus Heterophyllus, more commonly known as the jackfruit commonly grows in India and in some parts of Indonesia. The tree of this fruit typically grows in tropical lowlands, and by size, it is one of the largest tree-borne fruits. Each fruit typically has a weight of around 35 Kilograms, which is enough to feed an entire family if cooked into a broth.
A single Jackfruit tree can produce as much as 200 to 300 fruits in a year. The trees themselves require little pruning, however, to produce an adequate amount of fruit natural pollinators are required. Although, the moderate effort required to maintain a plantation is far outweighed by the production from the tree itself.
The Many Uses of the Jackfruit
The fruit can be eaten as-is and is described to have a flavor that could be best described as a mix of pineapple and sweet potato. It can additionally be cooked into a broth with spices and eaten with roti, or even with rice depending on need.
Various South Indian cuisines and recipes include the usage of the Jackfruit. Its unique flavor profile and its versatility allows it a space on the dinner table as a snack, a fruit, a meal, or a dessert depending on how it’s prepared.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlbPwZAWZAI
In terms of nutritional value, the fruit is rich in protein, potassium, calcium, and iron, making it an ideal choice for basic nutritional needs. The tree can be used to prepare dye, latex, timber and animal feed making the tree as valuable as the fruit itself.
Currently, 75% of Jackfruit goes to waste in its native land, India. Efforts are being made internationally to study the versatility of the fruit. Leading researches the world over believe that learning to use this fruit effectively can help save millions of lives.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates!
