The Cempedak is native to Indonesia and Malaysia and is closely related to the jackfruit. It is a tropical fruit that grows best in direct sunlight. It is an exotic fruit often only found in specialty markets, but it is becoming more available in India.
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Common names: Cempedak, Chempedak
- Scientific name: Artocarpus integer
- Botanical family: Moraceae
- Edibility rating: 8/10
- Health Benefits: 6/10
Growing Cempedak
It requires fertile, well-drained soil. It is not drought-tolerant and can withstand temporary waterlogged conditions.
After the initial care, the Cempedak grows fast and without much care. Seedlings bear fruit in 3-5 years, whereas grafted plants bear fruit in 2–3 years.
Though not very common, Cempedak is also grown in large containers.
Cempedak Fruit Description and Taste
Cempedak or Chempedak fruit has a flavour reminiscent of strawberries, apricots, and almonds. Its shape is that of a small jackfruit, and it also weighs much less than a jackfruit, typically 1–5 kg. It has a thicker skin than most varieties of jackfruit. It is sweeter than jackfruit, and taste-wise, it is closer to durian than jackfruit.
Cempedak has a meaty texture and can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a nutty flavour that is milder than Durian and can be enjoyed by those who do not favour Durian due to its not-so-likable smell. Roasted seeds are edible.
