Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Agrarian Studies, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jack fruit has diverse medicinal uses especially as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal agent. Jackfruit is considered to be an underutilized fruit where most of the fruits get wasted due to ignorance, lack of post-harvest technology and gaps in supply chain systems. Jackfruit contains more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and other essential nutrients, compared to common fruits. To find out the morphological variations among jackfruits in Kerala we conducted an elaborate survey and found out varieties using parameters such as tree characteristics, leaf characterises, fruit characteristics of selected samples as measure. Both qualitative and quantitative data were measured using field visit and standard methods and morphological indicators. After analysis of data morphological variations among the jack fruit samples were identified. This includes the morphological difference between fruit stalk leaf and branch leaves. In the fruits themselves, colour, shape and size are also found to vary among the samples. These variations may have some relationship to climatic factors such as rainfall, pH and soil properties. Morphological variations affect the selection of the varieties. Encouragement should be given to the marketing as well as creation of value added products from this underutilized fruit tree.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jack fruit has diverse medicinal uses especially as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal agent. Jackfruit is considered to be an underutilized fruit where most of the fruits get wasted due to ignorance, lack of post-harvest technology and gaps in supply chain systems. Jackfruit contains more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and other essential nutrients, compared to common fruits. To find out the morphological variations among jackfruits in Kerala we conducted an elaborate survey and found out varieties using parameters such as tree characteristics, leaf characterises, fruit characteristics of selected samples as measure. Both qualitative and quantitative data were measured using field visit and standard methods and morphological indicators. After analysis of data morphological variations among the jack fruit samples were identified. This includes the morphological difference between fruit stalk leaf and branch leaves. In the fruits themselves, colour, shape and size are also found to vary among the samples. These variations may have some relationship to climatic factors such as rainfall, pH and soil properties. Morphological variations affect the selection of the varieties. Encouragement should be given to the marketing as well as creation of value added products from this underutilized fruit tree.

This publication demonstrates the benefits of neglected and underutilized species, including amaranth, sorghum and cowpea, and their potential contribution to achieving Zero Hunger in South and Southeast Asia.

This reference work provides comprehensive information about the bioactive molecules presented in our daily food and their effect on the physical and mental state of our body. Although the concept of functional food is new, the consumption of selected food to attain a specific effect existed already in ancient civilizations, namely of China and India. Consumers are now more attentive to food quality, safety and health benefits, and the food industry is led to develop processed- and packaged-food, particularly in terms of calories, quality, nutritional value and bioactive molecules. This book covers the entire range of bioactive molecules presented in daily food, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, polyphenols, bioactive molecules presented in wine, beer and cider. Concepts like French paradox, Mediterranean diet, healthy diet of eating fruits and vegetables, vegan and vegetarian diet, functional foods are described with suitable case studies. Readers will also discover a very timely compilation of methods for bioactive molecules analysis. Written by highly renowned scientists of the field, this reference work appeals to a wide readership, from graduate students, scholars, researchers in the field of botany, agriculture, pharmacy, biotechnology and food industry to those involved in manufacturing, processing and marketing of value-added food products.

The southern Philippines fruits and vegetables program was a collaborative research model jointly managed by ACIAR and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). These proceedings represent the results of nine projects covering a range of commodities and research areas, the ultimate goal of which was to contribute to economic growth in the southern Philippines and to improve the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and their families.

Tree based production systems abound especially in the tropics. Despite the pervasiveness of such multipurpose “trees-outside-forest” resources, they have not attracted adequate attention in the development paradigms of many nation states. These multispecies production systems impact the ecosystem processes favourably. Yet, our understanding of the diversity attributes and carbon dynamics under agroforestry is not adequate. This book focuses on the role of multispecies production systems involving tree and crop species as a means for carbon sequestration and thereby reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Sixteen chapters organized into three broad sections titled: Measurement and Estimation, Agrobiodiversity and Tree Management, and Policy and Socioeconomic Aspects represent a cross section of the opportunities and challenges in current research and emerging issues in harnessing carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems.

This book provides detailed information on the various ethnic fermented foods and beverages of India. India is home to a diverse food culture comprising fermented and non-fermented ethnic foods and alcoholic beverages. More than 350 different types of familiar, less-familiar and rare ethnic fermented foods and alcoholic beverages are traditionally prepared by the country’s diverse ethnic groups, and include alcoholic, milk, vegetable, bamboo, legume, meat, fish, and cereal based beverages. Most of the Indian ethnic fermented foods are naturally fermented, whereas the majority of the alcoholic beverages have been prepared using dry starter culture and the ‘back-sloping’ method for the past 6,000 years. A broad range of culturable and unculturable microbiomes and mycobiomes are associated with the fermentation and production of ethnic foods and alcoholic drinks in India. The book begins with detailed chapters on various aspects including food habits, dietary culture, and the history, microbiology and health benefits of fermented Indian food and beverages. Subsequent chapters describe unique and region-specific ethnic fermented foods and beverages from all 28 states and 9 union territories. In turn the classification of various ethnic fermented foods and beverages, their traditional methods of preparation, culinary practices and mode of consumption, socio-economy, ethnic values, microbiology, food safety, nutritional value, and process optimization in some foods are discussed in details with original pictures. In closing, the book addresses the medicinal properties of the fermented food products and their health benefits, together with corresponding safety regulations.

Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in South Asian Countries provides an analysis of traditional and ethnic foods from the South Asia Region, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Iran. The book addresses the history of use, origin, composition, preparation, ingredient composition, nutritional aspects, and the effects on the health of various foods and food products in each of these countries from the perspective of their Traditional and Ethnic Foods. In addition, the book presents local and international regulations and provides suggestions on how to harmonize regulations and traditional practices to promote safety and global availability of these foods.