Jackfruit

Jackfruit is the fruit of the Jack Tree, a species of tree similar to fig and mulberry trees.

While Jackfruit has been very popular in South Asian cuisine, it has grown in popularity worldwide because its texture becomes similar to shredded chicken when cooked.

Taste Of Jackfruit

The fruit of the Jack tree is a very large, green, egg-shaped fruit weighing up to 55 pounds making it the largest tree fruit.

The edible parts of the fruits are under the thick, scaly skin. It’s naturally sweet and can be eaten raw.

Uncooked, jackfruit has a mild fruity taste, similar to a banana, pineapple, or mango.

Its flavor and aroma become stronger as the fruit ripens.

Nutrition

Jackfruit contains mostly water, some sugar, and very little protein and fat.

One hundred grams of Jackfruit contains:

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Water: 74 grams
• Carbs: 23 grams
  • Including Fiber: 1.5 grams
• Fat: 0.6 grams
• Protein: 1.7 grams

It’s also rich in vitamins:

• Vitamin B6: 25% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 9% of DV
• Vitamin C: 17% of DV
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 5% of DV
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 6% of DV
• Vitamin B5: 5% of DV
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): 6% of DV
• Vitamin A: 1% of DV

And Mineral:

• Magnesium: 8% of DV
• Potassium: 10% of DV
• Sodium: 0% of DV
• Calcium: 2% of DV

Health Benefits

Jackfruit has a rich nutrient content, giving it many potential health benefits such as:

• Heart Health from the Potassium and Fiber.
• Healthier Skin and Reduced Inflammation from Vitamin C.
• Weight Loss due to the fiber content, low calories, and since it’s often a meat substitute.

Using Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a common ingredient in many South Asia and Southeast Asia savory dishes, but it has become a staple of vegan dinners and lunches in recent times.

Since it has a mild taste, ripe Jackfruit is very easy to accommodate with many sauces and marinades, and it can be shredded just like chicken.

As a result, it’s a perfect meat substitute that is healthier than heavily-processed fake chicken or pork.

The jackfruit flesh has fibers similar to muscle fibers that make jackfruit recipes resemble pulled pork or pulled chicken.

You can use jackfruit pulp in:

• Vegan Pulled-Pork Sandwiches
• Vegan Pulled-Chicken Tacos
• Jackfruit BBQ Meat

Frequently Asked Questions

Does jackfruit really taste like meat?

Jackfruit doesn’t taste like meat when it’s raw, but it brings such a similar texture when it’s cooked and pulled that it will make you think it’s chicken or porked as long as it’s cooked with a similar marinade.

What does jackfruit taste like?

Raw jackfruit tastes somewhere between bananas, pineapple, and mangoes.

Is it good to eat jackfruit every day?

While there’s no strong counter-indication to eating jackfruit every day, it’s never recommended to eat the same food daily.

It’s always preferable to keep a varied diet.

Are jackfruit and durian the same?

While their skin looks somewhat similar and they are both large, heavy fruits, jackfruit and durian are two completely different fruits.

Are jackfruit seeds edible?

Yes, jackfruit seeds can be eaten once roasted, and they taste like Brazil nuts. They shouldn’t be eaten raw.

Can jackfruit be frozen?

Jackfruit flesh can easily be frozen and reheated straight in the pan with a marinade.

Can I eat jackfruit if I have diabetes?

Jackfruit has less than 2 grams of protein which is not enough to balance the carbs and maintain a low GI.

Jackfruit on its own (no marinade) has a GI between 50 and 60 and a Glycemic Load (GL) of 13 to 18.

It’s a little bit high for people with type-2 diabetes as it’s generally recommended to stick to a GI under 50 and to a GL under 10

Can you eat uncooked jackfruit?

Yes, the flesh of jackfruit can be eaten raw. Avoid the seeds.