One of the delights of living in a tropical area is the astounding variety of fruits that are available. It is always fun to stop at a roadside fruit stand and sample the local eats. Driving past these fruit stands I have always been curious about these enormous prickly green fruits that are hanging like Chinese lanterns from the eaves. On one of our recent trips I finally got around to asking what these monstrosities were.

Turns out the local name for it is Yaka fruit. Also known as jackfruit, which is in the family of breadfruit. The Yaka fruit is the worlds largest fruit. It’s not uncommon for a single one to grow to over 30 kilos. Originally from India this fruit is used in a variety of Asian dishes and is somewhat of an acquired taste. The flavor is of melon, banana, mango, and papaya all rolled into one. People either love it or hate it. Locals use it for a remedy to stomach problems, ulcers, curing hangovers, and the roasted nut is said to be an aphrodisiac. The fruit even produces a sticky latex that was used to caulk ships. Who knew?

Next time you are driving by a fruit stand, pull over and try this unique and yummy fruit with a splash of lime or chile.

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