Jackfruit

What Is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical fruit native to South Asia, from the mulberry family, and the largest tree-borne fruit; a single fruit can weigh tens of kilograms. It has a thick, spiny green-yellow skin.

Inside ripe jackfruit are numerous yellow, sweet, fibrous pods, each containing a large seed. Unripe (green) jackfruit, with its neutral-sweet, fibrous-shreddable texture, has gained popularity in recent years as a meat-like alternative in vegan cooking.

Nutritional Value of Jackfruit

Ripe jackfruit has a relatively high carbohydrate content among fruits; 100 grams contains about 95 kcal of energy and 23.3 g of carbohydrate. It also carries notable levels of potassium and vitamin B6.

What Are the Benefits of Jackfruit?

With its potassium and vitamin B6 content, jackfruit is one of the fruits that can be considered part of a balanced diet. Its unripe form is a practical option in plant-based cooking for recipes seeking a meat-like texture.

This information is general; jackfruit is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Do You Choose Jackfruit?

Ripe jackfruit has a lightly sweet-scented skin with slightly softened spines; unripe jackfruit is firm and scentless, and is preferred for savory cooking.

• If choosing a ripe fruit, the skin should be slightly flexible and give off a sweet scent.
• For savory (unripe) use, a firm, scentless, dark green-skinned fruit is preferred.
• It is generally sold pre-sliced or canned (in water/syrup) at supermarkets.

How Do You Store Jackfruit?

Cut jackfruit segments can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Both unripe and ripe jackfruit can be frozen and kept for months, which is why it is also often sold frozen in most supermarkets.

Using Jackfruit in Cooking

Ripe jackfruit segments are eaten raw like a sweet fruit. Unripe jackfruit is boiled, shredded, and cooked with spiced sauces, used as a meat substitute.

How Do You Cook Unripe Jackfruit?

Canned or fresh unripe jackfruit is boiled until softened, then shredded into strands with a fork; it is cooked with onion, garlic, and a spiced sauce, used in "pulled" style vegan dishes.

How Are Jackfruit Seeds Used?

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

Which Recipes Use Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is used in vegan "pulled jackfruit" sandwiches, jackfruit curry, sweet fruit salad, and tropical smoothies. Its ripe segments are also eaten as a snack on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Unripe jackfruit's fibrous, shreddable texture gives a meat-like appearance and feel when cooked; since it is neutral-sweet on its own, it is easily flavored with spiced sauces.

Are jackfruit seeds edible?

Yes, but they are not eaten raw; they are boiled or roasted and eaten as a snack similar to chestnuts.

How is jackfruit cut?

Since the skin contains a sticky resin, it's recommended to oil your hands and knife beforehand; once the fruit is separated into segments, the yellow flesh parts are cleaned and separated from the seeds.

What is the difference between ripe and unripe jackfruit?

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

How is jackfruit stored?

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