Coop Scoop Blog
Introducing Fresh Jackfruit!
This oft-asked for item at Honest Weight has been sourced and brought into our produce department's refrigerated cut fruit section! So what IS Jackfruit, and how do you eat it? We've put together a primer for those who are new to fresh Jackfruit, which, in upstate New York, is most people. Read on...
Jackfruit is a member of the Fig and Mulberry family native to southwest India. It is the largest fruit that grows on a tree, with each fruit reaching up to 100 pounds! And each mature tree can produce 100-200 fruits each year--that's a lot of Jackfruit.
It is currently gaining popularity in the U.S.(it was named a "rising star" by the Google report on most searched-for food items in 2016.), though is mostly sold canned, dried, or pre-seasoned in pouches. Jackfruit flour is being marketed as a gluten-free option. Honest Weight has carried processed Jackfruit for some time, and is excited to now offer fresh Jackfruit in our refrigerated cut fruit section.
Characteristics of the Fruit
Ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet, with subtle flavoring and a sweet, fruity aroma. It can be eaten ripe and unripe, and its seeds are also edible. The flavor is comparable to a combination of apple, pineapple, mango, and banana. It's also been compared to Juicy Fruit gum. Unripe jackfruit has a meat-like taste and a fibrous texture and is crunchier and less sweet.
Culinary Uses
In Asia, Jackfruit is used for a wide variety of dishes, including custards, cakes, dosas, curries, and chips. In the U.S., it is most often used as a meat substitute. It can be cubed and cooked, or separated to resemble pulled pork or carnitas. While most meat substitutes are processed and contain soy (tofu, tempeh) or wheat (seitan), Jackfruit is an all-natural and nutritious alternative. See the nutrition facts, below.
Jackfruit can be difficult to cut (considering the size of each fruit) but Honest Weight sells pre-cut Jackfruit flesh that is all usable.
Nutrition
The flesh of the jackfruit is a rich source of vitamin B6 and contains moderate levels of vitamin C and potassium. It is a source of dietary fiber and iron. With about 95 calories in a half a cup, they are lower in carbs and calories than rice or corn.The pulp is composed of 74% water, 23% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 1% fat.
Try This!
30 Minute Jackfruit Sliders with Avocado Slaw
Thai Curry with Jackfruit and Cashews
Plus "18 Jackfruit Recipes That Will Make You Forget All About Meat," including recipes for gyros, pot pie, pizza, and crab cakes.
Note: These recipes, and all the recipes I found, use canned Jackfruit, as that is what is traditionally readily available in this country. You can easily sub fresh for canned by cutting or tearing the fruit into appropriately sized pieces for the recipe you're making and adding when you would the canned fruit.
Sources: