Cempedak

Definition: Cempedak (Artocarpus integer) is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia, belonging to the Moraceae family. It is closely related to the jackfruit and breadfruit trees. Cempedak is known for its large, oblong-shaped fruits that are covered in a spiky, greenish-brown skin. The fruit is highly prized for its sweet, aromatic flesh, which has a unique flavor profile that is often described as a combination of mango and banana.

Characteristics

Tree: Cempedak trees are medium-sized, evergreen trees that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. They have a dense, spreading canopy with large, glossy, dark green leaves. The tree produces both male and female flowers on separate inflorescences.

Fruit: The cempedak fruit is one of the largest fruits in the Moraceae family, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length and weighing up to 4 kilograms. The skin of the fruit is covered in sharp, cone-shaped spikes, which provide protection from animals and insects. When ripe, the skin turns from greenish-brown to yellowish-brown. The flesh of the fruit is creamy, golden-yellow in color, and is divided into segments, each containing a large seed. The flesh has a soft, custard-like texture and a sweet, tropical flavor.

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Cultivation

Climate: Cempedak trees thrive in tropical climates with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. They require a minimum annual rainfall of 1,500 millimeters and are sensitive to frost and drought.

Soil: Cempedak trees prefer well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Propagation: Cempedak trees can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods such as grafting and budding. Seeds should be planted immediately after extraction from the fruit, as they have a short viability period.

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Harvesting: Cempedak fruits are typically harvested when fully matured, as indicated by a change in skin color from greenish-brown to yellowish-brown. The fruits are carefully cut from the tree using a sharp knife, taking care not to damage the fruit or the tree.

Uses

Food: Cempedak fruits are primarily consumed fresh, either on their own or as an ingredient in various desserts, jams, and preserves. The flesh can also be cooked or fried, giving it a unique texture and flavor. In some Southeast Asian countries, cempedak is used to make traditional dishes and snacks.

Medicinal: Various parts of the cempedak tree, including the leaves, bark, and roots, have been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. They are believed to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

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Other Uses: The wood of the cempedak tree is used in construction, furniture making, and handicrafts. The leaves are sometimes used as animal fodder, and the tree provides shade and habitat for various wildlife species.

Note: It is important to note that cempedak can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with latex allergies, as it contains natural latex compounds.

Keywords: cempedak, fruits, tropical, greenish, flavor, leaves, various, southeast, moraceae