Jackfruit grows exceptionally well in Sri Lanka and in certain parts of India. It can reach lengths of up to one metre and can weigh 10 kilograms.
"If picked when young it can be used instead of meat or fish in curries. The ripe fruit can serve as a side dish and when extra-ripe it can be eaten as a dessert," said Fruit Logistica exhibitor and exporter Camilus Fernando, director of Princess Enterprise Ltd, one of five companies exhibiting typical Sri Lankan produce.
His aim is to establish jackfruit on the European market. This has already been achieved with the orange-skinned king coconuts. "We exported between 10 and 20t of them to Europe in 2003", said Gamini Tissa Kumara from the Sri Lankan Export Development Authority. The milk is richer in protein that that of the standard coconut. "We believe that king coconuts will sell well here", added Sivagnanam Gnanaskandan of Eastern Allied Agencies Ltd.
The same applies to the orange-coloured, creamy-sweet tasting Karatha Kolumba mango. "So far we have only exported 3t of them to Europe. We believe that good opportunities exist for expansion", said Kumara.
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