Whether it is steamed idli, Gujarati snack panki; Parsi’s patra ni machchi, Assam’s bhapot diya maach or the elaborate Onam Sandhya from Kerala, the humble banana leaf has found its way into many cuisines.
In 2019, Anil Jose, started a WhatsApp group called Chakkakkoottam with one aim — to make sure no jackfruits go to waste in India.
He added a few friends who grew the fruit, with the idea to unite jackfruit lovers and farmers under one ambit.
He added a few friends who grew the fruit, with the idea to unite jackfruit lovers and farmers under one ambit.
Over time, the group began gaining popularity and people from outside the state Kerala also started to join the group. Today, it has over 500 members.
“The initiative attracted the attention of many who had migrated to Kochi from the villages of Kerala, having nostalgic memories about their childhood filled with jackfruit and mango.”
“This group is for those who yearn for jackfruit, those who grow them in plenty and wish to share and for those who feel the need to be part of a community.”
With more members pouring in, Anil, with his friends, turned the group into a full fledged startup — Chakkakkoottam International Private Limited.
The outer part of the ear cup of our headphones is actually a tribute to bamboo craftsmanship — strips of coloured bamboo are woven together to give it a pixel-like look.
The brand sells items like jackfruit chips, flour, halwa, along with dry and tender jackfruit with a price range of Rs 100 – Rs 1,000.
The products are available to purchase on e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Flipkart and in several stores like Lulu and Reliance in Ernakulam.
“Rather than a profit-making venture, the company is meant to celebrate the flavour of this quirky fruit as well as to help farmers in minimising its wastage,” says Anirudh, a group member.