Kathal in English | Kathal Benefits, Uses and Recipes

Wondering what do you call Kathal in English? What are its benefits, uses, and more? Find out everything in detail in this article!

Kathal in English is called Jackfruit. It is famous as a vegetable, fruit, chips, or even pickle in India and has incredible medicinal benefits. It won’t be wrong to say, it’s the jack of all fruits!

Check out the rare fruits in India here

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Kathal in English and its Benefits

Now that you know that Kathal in English is called Jackfruit, let’s have a look at its benefits!

1. Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

Our bodies take longer to digest Kathal, hence it doesn’t cause the sugar levels to upsurge as compared to other fruits. Besides, it is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants while being low in carbohydrates.

2. Has Cancer-Fighting Properties

Kathal contains Phytochemicals like flavonoid, tannin, steroid, saponin, and terpenoid, which are natural compounds that can potentially prevent the formation of cancer cells in our body.

3. Helps with Digestion

Kathal is a good source of prebiotics – the good bacteria in the gut that help with digestion.

4. Prevents Constipation

Since Kathal is rich in fiber and B-complex vitamins, it supports bowel movement and prevents constipation. Moreover, it also makes one feel fuller for longer.

5. Good for Skin

The high amounts of Vitamin C present in Kathal are very beneficial to the skin. It not only protects the skin from sun damage but also helps the body build collagen, which is essential for keeping the skin and connective tissues healthy.

6. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure

Kathal is rich in Potassium and helps to maintain normal blood pressure in those suffering from hypertension.

7. Supports Good Bone Health

Being rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, Kathal is the perfect fruit for encouraging better bone health.

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Kathal Uses

Leaves

• Kathal leaves are good for treating ulcers, boils, and wounds.

Fruit

• The fruit is great for diabetic people, post-meal, to maintain sugar levels.
• It is also useful in decreasing alcohol’s influence on a person’s system.

Seeds

• Its seeds have various medicinal uses in Ayurveda.
• According to a study, the seeds help reduce blood sugar levels by inducing insulin secretion.

Trunk

• The wood of the Kathal tree is very useful as timber as it is resistant to termite attacks, fungal infections, and bacterial decay.

Bark

• Its bark produces a rich yellow dye, which the monks use to dye their robes.
• People use the inner parts of the bark to make ropes and fabric.

Roots

• The essence of Kathal roots can aid fever, diarrhoea, and asthma.
• The tree has an extensive root system and helps in controlling floods and soil erosion.

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 Famous Indian Kathal Recipes

From breakfast to lunch, snacks to dessert, Kathal can be made into anything. Here are the few famous Kathal recipes from India!

1. Kathal ki Sabzi

Kathal ki Sabzi is cooked from unripe jackfruit mixed in a variety of spices, simmered in tomatoes, and made into a gravy. It is best served with chapati or paratha.

2. Echor Kosha- Bengali Kathal Curry

The Bengali-style jackfruit curry is made using famous Bengali “panch phoron” masala and mustard oil, which gives the dish majority of its flavor. It is cooked in curd and tomatoes with a variety of spices.

3. Chakka Erissery- Kerala Kathal Sabzi

Chakka Erissery is a coconut-based gravy cooked with raw jackfruit. It is best served with hot rice or chapati.

4. Kathal Biryani

Kathal Biryani is a moderately spicy biryani with unripe jackfruit. The fruit leaves an aroma that adds great flavor to the biryani.

5. Kathal Kofta Curry

Kathal Kofta has a very unique mouth-feel because of the texture of jackfruit. The kofta is dipped in tomato coconut gravy and served with chapati or poori.

6. Kathal ka Achaar

Kathal pickle is made of raw jackfruit and its seeds. They are marinated in oil and mixed with red chili. It is one of the best pickles to try out!

7. Kathal ki Kheer

Kathal ki Kheer has ripe jackfruit with rice in jaggery and milk. It is amazing in taste and makes a great dessert.

8. Kathal Kabab

Kathal Kabab is a diabetic-friendly snack with spices. It tastes great with green chutney.