Jackfruit — known as Panasa Pandu in Telugu, Kathal in Hindi, and Pala Pazham in Tamil — is a tropical treasure loved across India and around the world for its unique flavor, texture, and versatility. Whether eaten ripe as a sweet fruit or cooked raw in spicy curries, jackfruit is a culinary gem.
But have you ever wondered why jackfruit is often priced higher than other fruits, especially in urban markets or organic stores?
In this blog, let’s explore:
What contributes to the cost of jackfruit
Why jackfruit farming is a challenge
Is jackfruit worth the price?
Where to buy quality jackfruit at a reasonable rate
📦 1. Jackfruit Is Huge, But Not All of It Is Edible
One of the reasons jackfruit is expensive is because you’re not paying just for the edible part.
A whole jackfruit can weigh anywhere from 5 kg to 20 kg
Only 30–40% of the fruit is edible (pods or bulbs)
The rest includes a thick spiky rind, fibrous core, and seeds
💡 That means when you buy a whole jackfruit, you’re paying for a lot of inedible material too!
🌱 2. Seasonal and Perishable Nature
Jackfruit is a seasonal fruit, available primarily from March to June in India. Because of its short harvesting window, the supply is limited, and demand is high — especially in urban and export markets.
Also:
Jackfruit is highly perishable
Ripe jackfruit spoils quickly if not consumed or processed in time
Requires proper storage and packaging to maintain freshness
All of these factors drive up its price in the market.
🧑🌾 3. Labor-Intensive Harvesting & Processing
Unlike small fruits like bananas or apples, harvesting and processing jackfruit is a manual, time-consuming job.
Farmers must wait for the exact maturity level
Cutting the jackfruit is tricky due to its sticky latex
Processing involves separating pods, cleaning seeds, and removing fiber — all labor-intensive tasks
This means higher labor costs, which are passed on to the end consumer.
🚛 4. Transportation & Storage Costs
Jackfruit is:
Bulky
Delicate when ripe
Difficult to transport without damage
It requires:
Proper cushioned packing
Cold storage (for ripe fruit or processed pulp)
Specialized containers (if being exported)
The logistics involved in safely delivering jackfruit from farms to stores — especially for exports or urban supermarkets — also adds to its price.
🌿 5. Organic & Exotic Jackfruit Varieties
In recent years, there’s been a rise in demand for:
Organic jackfruit
Tender green jackfruit for vegan meat alternatives
Value-added products like jackfruit flour, chips, or pickles
These varieties are grown in limited quantities and are priced higher due to:
Organic farming practices
Lower yields
Special post-harvest handling
🌍 6. Rising Global Demand
Jackfruit is now considered a superfood and vegan meat substitute in many Western countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.
This demand for:
Canned jackfruit
Frozen jackfruit
Dehydrated jackfruit
Jackfruit-based meat alternatives
…has led to higher export volumes, which impacts local prices too.
💰 7. Price Breakdown
To understand why it feels expensive, let’s break down the price of a whole jackfruit:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight | ₹50–₹150+ per kg |
| Edible yield (30–40%) | Less than total weight |
| Processing cost | ₹20–₹50/kg extra |
| Packaging & transport | ₹10–₹30/kg |
| Organic certification | Additional premium |
So, processed jackfruit pods or raw jackfruit chunks in supermarkets can cost ₹300–₹600 per kg, depending on quality and packaging.
🛒 Where to Buy Affordable Jackfruit?
If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality jackfruit, consider:
Local markets during peak season (April–June)
Online stores like MeenakshiRecipe.com for processed raw jackfruit, flour, or pickles
Farmers’ markets or direct-from-farm platforms
You can also buy jackfruit seeds or flour as budget-friendly alternatives.
🎯 Is Jackfruit Worth the Price?
✅ High in fiber, vitamin C, potassium
✅ Supports digestion and boosts immunity
✅ Great meat substitute for vegans
✅ Delicious in both sweet and savory recipes
✅ Helps reduce food cravings and improves satiety
So yes — while jackfruit may seem expensive at first, its nutrition, versatility, and flavor make it worth every rupee!
📌 Final Thoughts
Jackfruit’s price reflects more than just its weight — it reflects the hard work of farmers, seasonality, manual processing, and growing global demand.
Next time you pick up jackfruit at a slightly higher price, remember: you’re buying a tropical superfruit with a rich legacy and powerful health benefits.