Food

Lalmai Hill Jackfruit

লালমাই পাহাড়ের কাঁঠাল

Fragrant jackfruit grown on the red-soil slopes of the Lalmai hills, piled high in summer markets.

At a glance

Where: Cumilla district, Chattogram division
Where to try: Markets along the Lalmai hills and roadside stalls near Kotbari
Best time: summer (Apr–May)

The red, well-drained soil of the Lalmai hills suits jackfruit trees, and every summer the ridges near Cumilla smell of ripening fruit. Farmers carry them to local markets and the highway, where they are sold by the piece. The sweet yellow pods are eaten fresh, and the seeds are roasted or cooked in curries.