Mangalore: City-Folks Relish taste of delicious Jackfruits at 4th Annual Fest

Pics by Ashritha D Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 29 Jun 2013: The campus of College of Fisheries, Yekkur, here wore festive mood on Friday June 28 as hundreds of people arrived at the venue to witness the fourth annual Jackfruit Fest.

The stall of Ravi Kumar MG was found to be busiest with the visitors relishing distinct jackfruit variety from 74 villages of Toobugere region of Karnataka.

 

‘Jackfruits which are neglected today, used to sustain livelihoods of household families in the past, especially horticulturists,’ said Ravi Kumar, secretary of Toobugere jackfruit growers Association.

Kumar’s stall was stocked with 4 types of jackfruits of various sizes. Kumar said, ‘Right now, we have showcased 4 varieties of jackfruits - Haladi Rudrakshi, Kempu Rudrakshi, Chandra Halasu, and Bangara Halasu.’

‘We also supply jackfruit across the country when we get orders. We collect jackfruit from 74 villages of Toobugere region. The fruit is grown on 3500 trees,’ said Kumar.

The distinct variety of ‘Toobugere’ jackfruit plant costs Rs 150, and the plant yields fruit after 5 years. The fruit is 80 percent gum-free,’ said Kumar.

There were 26 stalls at the jackfruit fest that were selling jackfruit products at the venue. 

‘The jackfruit of coastal district tastes the same that is grown in other regions across Karnataka,’ said housewife Shruthi.
Renuka Vijayan, proprietor of Kumbla’s Jackfruit Products, which won third prize at the state level jackfruit fest held at Brahmavar, recently also set up a stall here, selling delicious jam made out of jackfruit, an innovative product indeed.

Sirsi Sharathchandra V Hegde’s stall was set up with jackfruit products - papad, sweet and spicy chips and other products made out of jackfruit.

The jackfruit lovers from all over the city visited the stalls to relish their taste buds with delicious jackfruits sourced from across Karnataka at the occasion.