Kathal Ka Achar: Tradition and Flavor in the Spotlight
“Kathal”, a movie released in 2023 not only entertained its audience but also managed to put kathal(Jackfruit) in the spotlight in an unexpectedly delicious way. A particular scene that stood out was the one where Kathal was so vividly described that you could almost savour its rich, spiced flavour through the screen. The reference of “Kathal ka achar” (Jackfruit Pickle), made many curious about jackfruit pickle while reminding others of their childhood days, bringing back the memories of enjoying homemade jackfruit achar the traditional way.
Kathal Ka Achar: Taste, Tradition, and Health Benefits
If the movie made you curious about or crave kathal ka achar, you are not alone! Let’s dive into the rich history, delicious recipes, and incredible health benefits of jackfruit and its famous kathal ka achar.
Kathal and its cultivation in India:
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), which originated in India, is the largest and heaviest tree fruit that is widely cultivated across the tropical regions across the world. Jackfruit finds its way in South Asian cuisine like that of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc.
It is a seasonal fruit that is cultivated in India from March to June, which makes it available for fresh consumption during summer. This species flourishes in tropical humid regions with the most notable being Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. One jackfruit tree can produce between 100 to 200 fruits each year making it a sustainable crop.
Kathal ka achar: Preserving Kathal beyond summers
Kathal is a seasonal fruit, which is primarily available in India in the summer season. But the craving for kathal is not seasonal, and our ancestors knew this so there is a way where you can enjoy the rich taste and texture of Kathal all year round, and it is through kathal ka achar.
Jackfruit pickle enjoys a widespread popularity specially in North India particularly in the states of Uttar Praddesh, Bihar, Punjab and Rajasthan.
The process of making jackfruit pickle has been perfected over centuries so you can enjoy jackfruit even when its season is over. Each region where jackfruit pickle is consumed adds its own unique twists to the recipes but all of them include raw jackfruit, mustard oil and spice mix that can be unique to a particular region.
Many households still keep the traditional recipe and cooking techniques intact that have been passed down from generation to generation, this adds to the preservation of not only jackfruit but also the traditions, here every barni of kathal ka achar is a testament to the art of pickling in India that has been preserved for centuries.
What can you pair your Kathal ka achar with?
Like most Indian pickles, jackfruit pickle has a unique and rich flavour that makes it a versatile accompaniment to many Indian meals. Here are a few ways in which you can enjoy your jackfruit achar:
- With Dal-Chawal: Kathal ka achar will make a perfect accompaniment to dal chawal due to its rich flavour, taking your meal up a notch and making it into a comfort meal.
- With Parathas: Pickle with paratha is a classic combination that cannot be missed, with kathal pickle enhancing the richness of garama garam parathas.
- With Khichadi: Kathal ka achar paired with khichadi can be the definition of comfort food for many.
- With Thali: The great Indian thali is incomplete without pickle, and kathal ka achar helps boost the overall experience and flavour of a thali.
Health Benefits of Jackfruit:
Jackfruit is not only a delicious fruit but it is also packed with nutrients and has a high nutrient value, it contains carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. Several parts of this tree including the fruit have been mentioned in traditional memoirs because of its anti fungal and anti inflammatory properties. Jackfruit also has a low calorie content which serves as an added benefit for the foodies who can enjoy it without having to keep an eye out for calories.
Benefits of Kathal ka achar:
- Aids in Digestion: The spice mix of Kathal ka achar usually contains fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, and mustard seeds, which aid in digestion as they are high in fibre, reduce bloating, and aid in food breakdown, improving overall gut health.
- Probiotic Properties: Jackfruit pickle, when made in the traditional homemade style, is fermented naturally and has probiotic properties that help to improve gut health.
- Vitamin C: Jackfruit is a good source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, helping to boost immunity and skin health.
FarmDidi’s Jackfruit Pickle: Authentic Homemade Kathal ka achar
Looking for the best jackfruit pickle? Here’s what makes FarmDidi’s Jackfruit Pickle stand out:
- Authentic & Traditional Recipe: FarmDidi’s Jackfruit pickle is made using authentic and traditional recipes, preserving its original flavour and texture.
- Hygienically Homemade: Made with didi’s love and care while upholding high hygiene standards, ensuring every bite is fresh and rich in authentic flavour.
- No Chemical Preservatives: Unlike many other pickles available in the market, our pickle is free of chemical preservatives and is preserved naturally, giving you a healthy and wholesome homemade experience.
- Premium Ingredients: For making our Kathal ka achar, we use the best quality jackfruits, mustard oil, and spices, making it rich in flavour without compromising on quality.
- Didi Verified: Each jar of FarmDidi’s Kathal ka achar is packed with warmth and authentic flavours to bring you the nostalgic taste of homemade pickle.
Conclusion:
Jackfruit pickle is a classic favorite made with raw jackfruit, aromatic spices, and recipes that stood the test of time. Its rich, tangy flavors pair perfectly with hot parathas, a simple dal-rice bowl, or even everyday meals that need a little extra zest. With a delicious taste Kathal ka achar also has health benefits, making it a great addition to your kitchen. Simple, flavorful, and packed with flavours and tradition.
If this article has inspired you to try jackfruit pickle, then you should consider indulging in a jar of Farmdidi's authentic, homemade Kathal Ka Achar .