There is always something to be grateful for in this Universe-Thankyou Jackfruit!

When I was almost ten, we were down for the holidays (from the Gulf) in Kerala. I would sense the pulse and feel the sights and sounds of my hometown. My antennae would be tuned to the sizzling sounds from the kitchen and the natural noises all around my paternal ancestral home surrounded by several trees and birds. I have seen a few snakes around too and even witnessed my brave mother shoo one away when it was very close to the doorway entrance...I almost felt it would slide as if walking its way with its imaginary human feet. Snakes are around to catch the frogs and the mongoose.

There's a certain bird that would chirp in a certain tune perched on those trees- such a tune that when I asked one of the adults back then...not sure if it was my Valiammachi who translated that the chirp was the bird  calling out to ask and demand an answer from us, "Chakkakye uppu Undo?"(In Malayalam) translated as "Does the Jackfruit have salt?"

 It used to sit on those Jackfruit trees and demand repeatedly and it almost sounded like how the adult put it to me...with pauses between those three words.
I have also witnessed my Valiammachi sell branches of these leaves for those who had calves or goats at home. I still remember the way the people would carry it either on their heads or if it were the kids who bought it, they would drag it on the road to their homes making that familiar swishing/rustling noise as the leaves rubbed against the tarred path.

I was more angry with her for not giving it free to them but my grandma had her own logic I guess!


Google Image-Grateful Goo

I have also seen the leaves been used as scoops or spoons by the farmers and other labourers who helped my grandmother in our paddy fields.
 Before they came into the outhouse dining area each of them would wash a jackfruit leaf and with the help of a small piece of eerkkil (resembling a toothpick) convert that leaf into a spoon and happily gulp down their gruel/Kanji. Those days they hardly needed any sides but my valiammachi always gave them some Chamanthi, a Papadom or a pickle to tag along. Coconuts were a plenty at home. My Valiammachi was like the Queen of all things edible from Gods Own Country! Anything she planted in our soil also grew well and brought fruit. She certainly had this green thumb!

Picture of the Leaf: Courtesy Google images

All the pictures that follow are mine.

Am always fascinated by the food stalls that are put up occasionally in either of the capitals that I haunt in South India. I did a mango festival write up some time back. Pls check the blog. This time round it was the Jackfruit fest-Ananthapuri Chakka Mahotsavam- It is ongoing at the moment and will be held until the 9th of this month.

Don't miss it if you get a chance. It is a ten day fete put up with Jackfruit as the cynosure of all eyes. Let my pictures take you through the entire event. Kindly excuse me if the quality isn't that good. These were taken at the venue viz SuryaKanthi, Kannakakkunnu palace, Thiruvananthapuram.

So one could buy recipe books both in English or Malayalam. Mixture or other snacks. The picture above is of a body scrubber or loofah as one would call it these days.
A few snacks seen below: Chakka/Jackfruit Therali It is a steamed dish that has jackfruit as its hero along with other ingredients. I love such traditional dishes! It is followed by cupcakes with Jackfruit in it but the main flour is Rice flour said the man at the counter. He is not sure of the process when I asked him in depth but was very keen to have us buy it.

Jackfruit Jam makes its way too followed by a pretty lady serving some Jackfruit bhajis. Oh this was sooooooooooo yumm! She's a wonderful saleswoman. I wish I had bought some more! It was very tasty! She did share the recipe!

The Jackfruit Halwa on display. So many would literally feed you with sample pieces. Do taste and make your pick! Encourage their sales! It is mentioned below that the halwa is made with Rice flour, the juice of the fruits etc.

 Don't even ask me how they have incorporated jackfruit into these Papads. From what I observed and spoke with a few salespersons...the Jackfruit seeds have been widely used in many of the flours and recipes. How creative these folks are!

Then there were these tubs of Prawns coated with dry jackfruit powder. The husband mentioned that it was absolutely delish! It did look inviting indeed!  Then one also has the non-veg and veg version of Jackfruit Chamandhi podi. As I am off all non-veg, I opted for the veg version. It made my dinner that night so delightful. It has to be consumed in a few days. My two cents it may go rancid after a while.

Then there is an assortment of Papads with Jackfruit as the main flavouring agent. You may have the garlic base, Fenugreek leaves one, the mint based , onion or tomato based. The choice is yours. We opted for the mixed version to experience a little of everything. The guy was specific that unlike usual papads that may turn bad, his would not as it is made with Basmati Rice.

The mister was attracted to this stall with all the natural honey-both local as well as from Coorg. There was a combo of honey with garlic. The mister was also attracted to the nursery that sold various seeds, saplings and garden tools

Chakka Adda top), Chakka Urrunu vada, Chakka Ullivada

Chakka cutlet (top) Chakka Chilly Chakka Puzhukku

 The husband enjoyed his lunch which was all chakka based (Rs.150/-) I wasn't hungry as I had already had an early lunch.

Sambhar, Puliserry, Parippu, Chamanthi, thoran,  pickles, stir-fry etc. all were absolutely delicious he said. One would see this in their food court spread out buffet style. Please bring your own water, hand sanitizers and napkins. You may not want to experiment with the water served. I do not know how things would seem during a rush hour or weekend but I could just picture the chaos!

 I understand Mr. Rafiq is the man behind the Jackfruit Sadhya. I bow down before you sir, I could see my man enjoying your sadhya and appreciating its authentic taste despite having Jackfruit in every dish.

 The glasses with the Jackfruit payasam were the dessert! Looked yumm...I just had a lil bit for the sake of tasting! I often feel guilty when I go out hence refrain from indulging. I eat adequately keeping in mind my health, my exercise regime and most importantly my age in mind.

 The above are the miscellaneous achaars/pickles from Jaipur. They are so delightful to see and there is a variety to choose from. Not sure if they had any Jackfruit in these. There are various fruit and veggie combos though-sweet, sour, bitter...The list is endless! We just picked up 100 g of Turkey berry/Chundakka

Stuffed Chilly Pickle

 Ok now this I did try! Jackfruit Ice-cream (40 bucks) When they hailed I just had to try this out. My curiosity got the better of me! Am suffering now with a cold and a bit of a bad throat!. I am usually very careful about not consuming very cold stuff! I cheated and my body is taking its revenge on me! But I loved the flavour!!!

Such a beautiful display of the Jackfruit in its various avatars. There were tea stalls, game stalls, portrait stall, I understand there is a Jackfruit eating competition as well...Oh Well! Lucky me I got two lovely pairs of Rajasthani footwear and a few pairs of earrings. This had nothing to do with Jack but one could find other miscellaneous stalls catering to the needs of our home. Bought a few garden tools.

I love the way the husband pampers me. I never ask anything from him but if he sees something that would suit both our tastes he will immediately ask me to try them on...I love the new colourful footwear!!!
I still do not know the answer to the bird's query but I guess a little bit of salt in it won't harm any of us right?