If you're into vegan cuisine, you've probably seen jackfruit burgers, tacos, and even curries.
However what is jackfruitand how do you cook it?
Do you want to save this weblog post? Enter your email now and we'll send the article straight to your inbox!
The jackfruit is the largest tree fruit on the planet and is typically found in Asia, Africa and South America. It has a thick, bumpy skin and fibrous yellow flesh that can be eaten raw or cooked. It is the national fruit of Bangladesh and somewhat resembles a bumpy sweet melon.
With the rise of vegan diets (and people looking for meatless meals on a regular basis), jackfruit has become quite the trend of late.
So much so that many larger grocery stores, like Publix, have it as a part of their regular produce section!
Of course, it's much easier to work with a can, which is how I always buy it.
But if you've never tried it and you're still wondering, "what is jackfruit?" she continues reading. I have each and every one of the answers you need right now.
What is jackfruit?
(Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus)
The first thing to know about jackfruit is that it is actually a fruit. Both scientifically and commercially.
It's not one of those weird things we call a fruit when it really is something else.
In fact, it is what most scientists call a multiple (or collective) fruit. That means that each large jackfruit contains numerous "pods," or individual fruits.
Jackfruit is a fruit that is cultivated mainly in Southeast Asia for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is thought to contain antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is rich in antioxidants. It can weigh anywhere from ten to sixty pounds and is in the same family of plants as figs and blackberries.
The skin is thick with raised bumps covering it, and the interior contains thick, yellow pods.
Now, let's talk about the taste of those pods.
Do you want to save this weblog post? Enter your email now and we'll send the article straight to your inbox!
What does jackfruit taste like?
Jackfruit tastes completely different depending on how you eat it. And it is possible to eat it underripe, and quite a few people do, or torn.
Jackfruit pods taste very sweet when ripe. Some people equate them with bananas, while others claim they taste like Juicy Fruit bubblegum. The flavor is mild when unripe, which is why it is most frequently used as an alternative option to meat. Either way, the pods have a slightly hard, fibrous texture.
In my experience, it tastes more like overripe peaches when ripe, without being overly sweet.
It is different, more exquisite and simple to consume only as a snack.
When raw, it's perfect for vegan barbecue as it has a meaty and filling texture, but has little flavor on its own.
That lets it pick up the flavors of other ingredients in the recipe, like sauces and seasonings.
While it doesn't exactly taste like meat, it's similar enough for most vegans.
Jackfruit Health Benefits
In addition to being a great meat substitute, jackfruit has many health benefits. These include the following:
- It is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates and calories.
- It is a tremendous source of vitamin B6 and magnesium.
- Improves digestion.
- It is full of antioxidants.
- It can improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- May have antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
- It can help fight cancer and osteoporosis.
(Keep in mind that many of these benefits come from regular jackfruit consumption alone.)
Where to buy jackfruit
Buying jackfruit is easier now than ever. My local Publix always has some free ones in the produce section.
I've even seen it at Walmart a time or two.
If you need help finding fresh jackfruit, try organic grocery stores. (Like Whole Foods or Trader Joe's).
If your area has an Asian market, this is also a good place to look.
You can also buy packaged jackfruit (both ripe and immature) online or at many large supermarkets.
These online retailers commonly stock canned jackfruit:
- Amazon
- prosperous market
- iHerb
- Zoro
- Etsy
You can also find freeze-dried jackfruit at many health and vitamin stores.
How to prepare jackfruit
The simplest way to eat jackfruit is to cut it up and eat the ripe fruit raw. However, there are other ways to enjoy it.
Before we get to those other ways, let's look at the steps for trimming a ponytail:
Once you know how to trim the fruit and remove the pods, you can prepare it in a variety of ways.
Most require you to shred, season, and marinate the jackfruit first. After that, you can cook it in any of the following ways:
- grill it
- skip it
- to mash
- cook slowly
- braise it
Now let's talk about how to eat it once you've made it.
How to use jackfruit
In addition to eating it straight from the skin, you can add raw jackfruit to yogurt, sandwiches, or salads.
You can also put it in the blender and make smoothies with it.
If you use cooked jackfruit, there are even more options.
Use it to make pulled "pork" sandwiches, vegan tacos or taquitos, or chili con "carne."
It's a great "meaty" sauce for spaghetti or a hearty stew.
Whatever you decide to do with it, marinate and season it well.
As I mentioned, underripe jackfruit has virtually no flavor of its own. However, it absorbs other flavors brilliantly.
As long as you give it enough auxiliary oomph, I'm sure it's going to taste really good.
