Photo courtesy Rare Fruit Club WA - rarefruitclub.org.au
Artocarpus integer X A.Heterophyllus
Chempejack (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, or used in desserts, eg 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.
Beneficial against several medical conditions, and it can slow down ageing!
Native to Malaysia, Bangladesh & India.
Tree maintenance
Prune only in the warmer months - remove dead wood, and control the height of the tree, preferably to 3-5m.
The mature tree will need 2-3 kg of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) plus magnesium twice a year.
It prefers moist soil.
Can aid fertilisation by rubbing a female fruit against a male one.
Chempejack (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, or used in desserts, eg 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.
Beneficial against several medical conditions, and it can slow down ageing!
Native to Malaysia, Bangladesh & India.
Tree maintenance
Prune only in the warmer months - remove dead wood, and control the height of the tree, preferably to 3-5m.
The mature tree will need 2-3 kg of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) plus magnesium twice a year.
It prefers moist soil.
Can aid fertilisation by rubbing a female fruit against a male one.
August 2022
