Abstract
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.), recognized as the world's largest edible fruit, belongs to the family Moraceae and is native to the tropical forests of India's Western Ghats. It is now grown in tropical and subtropical regions throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its nutritional profile includes carbohydrates, proteins, B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and C, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and dietary fiber. In Mexico, Nayarit contributes over 90 % of the country's total production, with the United States as the main export destination. However, the main challenge for long-distance commercialization is its short postharvest lifespan, which is mainly caused by fungal pathogens, particularly Rhizopus stolonifer and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Combining refrigeration with edible coatings based on GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) compounds can extend shelf life by up to 17 days. This review synthesizes available scientific knowledge on botany, genetic diversity, chemical composition, ripening physiology, postharvest management, agroecological profile, and waste valorization of the crop to identify opportunities for applied research and to strengthen the jackfruit value chain in Mexico and the American tropics.
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