Mangaluru: The coastal city is witnessing a growing fascination for premium Thai varieties of jackfruit, known for their high yield, early fruiting and superior sweetness. At a special festival organised at Chiguru Nursery in Kulur on Sunday, visitors were offered a rare opportunity to taste multiple varieties before purchasing saplings.
The event attracted gardening enthusiasts, farmers and urban residents keen to explore new fruit varieties suitable for home cultivation. Unlike conventional plant sales, the tasting session allowed participants to make informed choices based on flavour, texture and overall quality.
Unique initiative to promote exotic jackfruit varieties
The festival was organised by Sarvesh Rao, owner of Chiguru Nursery and founder of Team Mangalore. He said the primary objective was to introduce people to Thai jackfruit varieties that are gaining popularity for their commercial and domestic potential.
Rao explained that many people are unaware of the diversity within jackfruit varieties and their adaptability to local climatic conditions. “The idea is to familiarise people in Mangaluru with these superior varieties, which are both productive and suitable for smaller spaces,” he said.
Premium Thai varieties steal the spotlight
Among the key attractions at the event were premium Thai cultivars such as Phet Damrong and Thong Prasert. Phet Damrong stood out for its intensely sweet taste, rich flavour and vibrant golden-yellow flesh. It also features large, thick arils with low latex content, making it easier to consume and process.
Thong Prasert, often referred to as “Golden Excellence,” impressed visitors with its bright golden flesh and balanced sweetness. Its texture—crunchy yet soft and non-watery—makes it a preferred choice among fruit lovers.
Other varieties showcased at the event included the Singapore variety, Mangala Early, Phet Racha (another popular Thai cultivar), and J29, a Malaysian variety known for its distinct characteristics.
Early bearing and compact growth attract urban growers
One of the major advantages of these exotic varieties is their suitability for urban cultivation. Rao highlighted that these trees are relatively compact, growing to a height of around 12–16 feet, making them ideal for small gardens and limited spaces.
Additionally, the plants begin fruiting within a year of planting, which is significantly earlier compared to traditional jackfruit trees. This early bearing feature, combined with high yield potential, has made them increasingly popular among both hobby gardeners and small-scale farmers.
Rao also shared that he sourced the grafts during a visit to Thailand for a kite festival in 2018–19 and later propagated them at his nursery. The Phet Damrong trees at his facility began yielding last year, and this season he harvested around 25 fruits, some of which were preserved specifically for the tasting event.
Timing the festival for better awareness
While most jackfruit festivals in the region are typically held after mid-May, Rao intentionally organised this event earlier. He said the aim was to align the festival with the peak season of these specific varieties, allowing visitors to experience the fruit at its best.
The initiative also helped educate attendees about the range of jackfruit varieties that can thrive in the coastal Karnataka climate, encouraging diversification in home gardening and small-scale agriculture.
Conclusion
The rising interest in Thai jackfruit varieties in Mangaluru reflects a broader trend of experimentation and innovation in horticulture. With their superior taste, early yield and space-friendly growth, these exotic cultivars are steadily gaining acceptance among urban and rural growers alike. Events such as this tasting festival not only promote awareness but also empower consumers to make informed choices, potentially transforming local fruit cultivation practices in the years to come.