Chempejack at LCG, February 2026 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Chempejack
Artocarpus integer x A.Heterophyllus
Moraceae family
(Jackfruit x Chempedak) - Grown from 2 seedlings
Being a cross between a Jackfruit and the lesser known Chempedak this fruit should display some characteristics of both fruit. Chempedak is easier to peel than Jackfruit and has a strong odour (not unlike Durian) which can be challenging to the Western palate (loved in many Asian countries) but is difficult to grow this far south. Jackfruit is more cold hardy so the hybrid gives us the opportunity to experience something close to a true Chempedak.
Can be eaten fresh (when ripe it will have a pungent smell), or used in desserts, e.g. ice cream. Young, unripe green jackfruit and leaf shoots can be cooked as a vegetable, or used in soups, curries, noodles or salads; young male flowers can be eaten mixed with chillies, sugar, salt etc; the seeds can be eaten cooked, roasted, or fried.
Native to Malaysia, Bangladesh & India.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
Artocarpus integer x A.Heterophyllus
Moraceae family
(Jackfruit x Chempedak) - Grown from 2 seedlings
Being a cross between a Jackfruit and the lesser known Chempedak this fruit should display some characteristics of both fruit. Chempedak is easier to peel than Jackfruit and has a strong odour (not unlike Durian) which can be challenging to the Western palate (loved in many Asian countries) but is difficult to grow this far south. Jackfruit is more cold hardy so the hybrid gives us the opportunity to experience something close to a true Chempedak.
Can be eaten fresh (when ripe it will have a pungent smell), or used in desserts, e.g. ice cream. Young, unripe green jackfruit and leaf shoots can be cooked as a vegetable, or used in soups, curries, noodles or salads; young male flowers can be eaten mixed with chillies, sugar, salt etc; the seeds can be eaten cooked, roasted, or fried.
Native to Malaysia, Bangladesh & India.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
- Do not prune in Winter.
- Prune in Spring or Autumn for size, preferably to 3-5m.
- Spring (early): liquid seaweed, compost around drip line, poultry manure.
- Autumn: liquid seaweed, sulphate of potash.
- Winter: Rock mineral (crusher dust).
- Prefers moist soil.
- Can aid fertilisation by rubbing a female fruit against a male one.
Chempejack at LCG December 2024 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Chempejack at LCG August 2022 (photo credit: Graham Bond)
Chempejack fruit from LCG (photo credit: Graham Bond)
