Jackfruit Preserve | Chakka Varatti

Chakka Varatti a traditional slow-cooked Kerala jackfruit preserve or otherwise called jackfruit jam is a regional authentic recipe that belongs to homes of Kerala. This version of jackfruit preserve from Kerala or chakka varattiyathu on tocco is created by chef Uma and the ingredients are slow cooked for several hours until they reach a halwa consistency. You can now buy Chakka Varatti online fresh on tocco.

Limited artisanal batch (seasonal)

Ingredients : 

Ripe jackfruit (freshly harvested, handpicked for peak sweetness), jaggery, ghee (cow ghee).

That's it. No glucose syrup. No synthetic colours. No artificial flavours. No added preservatives.

Shelf life and storage: 

Warm it slightly before consuming if frozen. 

How to enjoy Chakka Varatti : 

This is one of those preserves you'll find a use for everywhere:

• Dessert: Serve warm as a halwa — a small bowl is all you need
• Payasam: Stir into coconut milk with jaggery to make chakka varatti payasam (Kerala's most celebratory dessert)
• Festive stuffing: Use as filling for kozhukatta (rice dumplings)
• Modern pairing: Dollop over vanilla ice cream or Greek yoghurt for a Kerala-fusion dessert
• Tiffin box: spread it on rotis or bread and roll them up for your kid's tiffin boxes
• Chakka ada or kumbilappam : steamed pan cake in the traditional vazhanayila- it's one of the most aromatic, flavourful pancake

Allergen and dietary information : vegetarian, gluten-free, contains milk-based products (ghee)

Small Batch | Handcrafted | No artificial preservatives

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is chakka varatti?

Chakka varatti (also spelled chakkavaratti or chakka varattiyathu) is a traditional Kerala jackfruit preserve made by slow-cooking ripe jackfruit pulp with jaggery and ghee until it becomes thick, sticky, and deeply flavoured. The word varatti in Malayalam means "cooked down until dry," which describes the process perfectly. It's used as a spread, a dessert, a sweet filling, and a base for other Kerala sweets like payasam and appam.

How is Uma's chakka varatti different from what I'd find in a supermarket?

Most commercial chakka varatti contains added sugar, preservatives, or artificial colour to extend shelf life and standardise appearance. Uma's version uses only ripe jackfruit, cane jaggery, and ghee — the same three ingredients used in Kerala homes for centuries. The batch size is small, the process is slow, and every jar goes through a quality check by Tocco before it ships. You can taste the difference.

Can I eat chakka varatti if I'm avoiding sugar?

This product is sweetened with cane jaggery, not refined sugar. Jaggery has a lower glycaemic index than white sugar and retains some trace minerals. However, it is still a sweetener and contains carbs. If you're managing blood sugar under medical supervision, please consult your doctor before consuming. We will not claim the product is sugar-free.

How do I use chakka varatti to make chakka payasam?

Take 2–3 tablespoons of chakka varatti, thin it out with 1 cup of thick coconut milk over low heat, add a small pinch of cardamom. Stir until combined and serve warm or chilled. It's one of the easiest festive desserts you can make — and one of Kerala's finest.

Is it safe to ship chakka varatti in warm weather?

Yes. The combination of jaggery and ghee acts as a natural preservative and the product is stable at room temperature for transit (typically 5-8 days). Refrigerate immediately upon receiving.

Does chakka varatti contain jackfruit seeds?

No. Only the ripe fruit pulp (the sweet, fibrous part called chakka chula) is used. Seeds are removed entirely before cooking. The result is a smooth-to-slightly-textured preserve with no chunks or seeds.