Jackfruit

Locally known as Kathal, in hindi.

Jackfruit belongs to the family of fig and mulberry and sometimes referred as Jack Tree.

When unripe, the outer skin is bright green with white pulp which is tasteless, can be cooked as various delicacies like kathal ki sabji, kathal biryani, kathal kofta and many more. Contrary when it ripens, the outer skin turns brownish green and the pulp becomes yellow, can be consumed raw as sweet or used in desserts.

It’s mucilaginous in nature, better to grease hands to prevent sticking and itching from pricky outer layers and exudate which oozes on cutting the fruit, a very common household tip practiced in Indian homes from generations.