From Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
by Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical fruit




Curator's Choice
Jackfruit


Noris Ledesma, curator of tropical fruit, has carefully selected jackfruit cultivars well-suited to South Florida conditions. These cultivars represent a new generation of jackfruit with superior horticultural traits.Grafted trees and new superior hybrids from the Jackfruit Breeding Program at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden are available for sale. These hybrids come from carefully selected parents with superior flavors. Our new generations of jackfruits are ready to speak for the Fairchild brand. Each variety is unique and worthy of appreciation on its own merits. Don’t miss it!

‘Fairchild First’
is one of the jackfruit varieties developed using breeding approaches at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The tree is upright and of medium vigor and can easily be maintained at a height of 3 m or less with production of 60 kg (132 lb) per year. The fruit are small and smooth in comparison with other cultivars because the spines flatten and open as the fruit matures. Fruit average 1.0 kg or less, with 39% edible fruit percentage. During some times of the year, the entire fruit can be eaten, including the “rag.” The flesh is firm and mild, with little latex.

'Sweet Fairchild'
was selected in Florida as a seedling of 'Tabouey.' The tree is upright and vigorous in its growth and can be maintained at a height of 3.5 m with annual pruning. Fruiting is heavy and consistent, averaging 90 kg (200 lb) or more per year. The fruit are large, with an average size of 8 kg (18 lb). The color is a light green to yellow. The flesh is a light yellow and is firm, with a mild, sweet flavor. The flavor is appealing to those that prefer a milder jackfruit flavor.

Jackfruit
Jackfruit

‘Black Gold’
was selected in Queensland, Australia. The tree is vigorous, with a dense and highly manageable canopy. With annual pruning the tree is easily maintained at a height and spread of 2 to 2.5 m (6.5 to 8.1 ft), with consistent, heavy production of 55 to 90 kg (120 to 200 lb) per tree. The fruit are medium-sized, averaging 6.7 kg (14.7 lb), with an edible flesh percentage of 35%. The exterior of the fruit is dark green and has sharp fleshy spines. The spines do not flatten, or “open” upon maturity, making it difficult to judge the proper harvest time and maturity. The deep orange flesh is soft, with a strong, sweet flavor and aroma. The flesh is easily removed from the fruit compared with other cultivars.

Prepared jackfruit
Prepared jackfruit

‘Dang Rasimi’
originated in Thailand. The tree is open, spreading and fast growing. It must be pruned annually to maintain a height and spread of 3 to 3.5 m (9.7 to 11.4 ft). The trees are highly productive, yielding 75 to 125 kg (165 to 275 lb) per tree, while maintaining vigorous growth. The fruit are bright green to pale yellow and uniform in shape if thinned to one fruit per fruiting spur. The skin has sharp spines that do not flatten or “open” with maturity. Fruit are medium to large, averaging 8 kg (17.6 lb), with 32% edible flesh percentage. The flesh is deep orange and firm. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a sweet, pleasant aroma. ‘Dang Rasimi’ is one of the most vigorous jackfruit cultivars, and must be annually pruned to maintain size.

Dr. Richard Campbell
Dr. Richard Campbell

‘Golden Nugget’
was selected in Queensland, Australia. The tree is fast growing, with a distinctive dark green, rounded leaf. It forms a dense, spreading canopy, which is easily maintained at a height and spread of 2 to 2.5 m (6.5 to 8.1 ft). The fruit are small, green and rounded, with sharp, fleshy spines on the skin. The spines flatten to a smooth, golden-yellow upon maturity. The fruit weigh 3.2 kg (7 lb), with an excellent edible flesh percentage of 41%. The deep orange flesh is soft to medium firm depending on fruit ripeness. The flavor is excellent and the flesh has no fiber. ‘Golden Nugget’ fruit will often split open prior to ripening when there are heavy rains. Yields can be maintained at 60 to 80 kg (132 to 176 lb) per tree per year.

Jackfruit
Jackfruit

‘J-31'
was selected in Malaysia. The tree is moderately vigorous, forming a spreading, open canopy. The tree can be maintained at a height and spread of 2 to 2.5 m (6.5 to 8.1 m). Trees of this size can produce 42 to 60 kg (92 to 132 lb) per year. The fruit are large and irregular in shape with prominent, blunt spines. The weight is 12 kg (26 lb), with an edible flesh percentage of 36
%. The flesh is deep yellow and firm with thick walls. The flavor is sweet and rich with a strong, earthy aroma. ‘J-31' will often produce off-season fruit during the fall and winter.

Jackfruit and prepared fruit

Noris Ledesma, curator of tropical fruit
Noris Ledesma, Curator of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden



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Jackfruit Page



Bibliography

Ledesma, Noris. "Curator's Choice Jackfruit." Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, fairchildgarden.org. Accessed 20 Dec. 2014.

Published 20 Dec. 2014 LR
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