Jackfruit

What Is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical fruit native to South Asia, from a tree in the mulberry family, and is the largest fruit that grows on a tree; a single fruit can weigh tens of kilograms. It has a thick, spiky green-yellow rind.

Ripe jackfruit contains many sweet, fibrous yellow segments, each with a large seed inside. In recent years, unripe jackfruit has become popular in vegan cooking as a meat-like alternative because of its neutral, mildly sweet flavor and fibrous, shreddable texture.

Jackfruit Nutrition Facts

Ripe jackfruit has a relatively high carbohydrate content for a fruit; 100 g contains approximately 95 kcal of energy and 23.3 g of carbohydrates. It also contains notable amounts of potassium and vitamin B6.

What Are the Benefits of Jackfruit?

With its potassium and vitamin B6 content, jackfruit is among the fruits that can be considered part of a balanced diet. The unripe fruit is a practical option for recipes that call for a meat-like texture in plant-based meals.

This is general information; jackfruit is a food and does not replace medical treatment.

How to Choose Jackfruit

Ripe jackfruit has a mildly sweet smell and a rind with slightly softened spikes; unripe jackfruit is firm and odorless and is chosen for cooking.

• For ripe fruit, choose one with a slightly yielding rind and a sweet smell.
• For cooking with unripe jackfruit, choose a firm, odorless fruit with a dark green rind.
• It is also commonly sold pre-cut or canned (in water or syrup) in stores.

How to Store Jackfruit

Cut jackfruit segments can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Both unripe and ripe jackfruit can be frozen for months; frozen jackfruit is therefore also sold in many stores.

Using Jackfruit in the Kitchen

Ripe jackfruit segments are eaten raw as a sweet fruit. Unripe jackfruit is boiled until tender, shredded, cooked with spiced sauces, and used in place of meat.

How to Cook Unripe Jackfruit

After canned or fresh unripe jackfruit is boiled until tender, shred it into strands with a fork; cook it with onion, garlic, and a spiced sauce for “pulled” vegan dishes.

How to Use Jackfruit Seeds

Jackfruit seeds can be boiled or roasted and eaten like chestnuts; in some cuisines, they are also ground into flour.

What Recipes Use Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is often used in vegan “pulled jackfruit” sandwiches, jackfruit curry, sweet fruit salad, and tropical smoothies. Ripe segments are also eaten on their own as a snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is jackfruit used as a meat substitute in vegan dishes?

When cooked, unripe jackfruit’s fibrous, shreddable texture looks and feels like meat; its own mildly sweet flavor is neutral enough to take on the flavor of spiced sauces.

Can jackfruit seeds be eaten?

Yes, but they should not be eaten raw; boil or roast them and eat them as a chestnut-like snack.

How do you cut jackfruit?

Because its rind contains sticky latex, oil your hands and knife beforehand. After separating the fruit into segments, remove the yellow flesh from the seeds.

What is the difference between ripe and unripe jackfruit?

Ripe jackfruit is yellow and sweet and is eaten as a fruit; unripe (green) jackfruit has a mildly sweet flavor and fibrous texture and is cooked as a meat alternative in savory dishes.

How should jackfruit be stored?

Cut segments stay fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator; both unripe and ripe jackfruit can be frozen for months.