What is Jackfruit and 12 Jackfruit Recipes (+ Health Benefits) (2024)

Learn everything about jackfruit including its nutrition, health benefits, how to cut, how to eat, and 12 popular jackfruit recipes. This tropical fruit has increased in popularity as a healthy vegan meat substitute, and you can use it in all kinds of recipes like jackfruit tacos, sandwiches, dips and curries. They’re so delicious that you won’t believe they’re completely vegan!

If you haven’t had jackfruit, you are missing out! It may seem a bit intimidating at first with its unique look. Learning how to cook it is actually quite easy, and the more you eat, the more you’ll love it!

The upripe green jackfruit has been increasingly used as a plant-based meat alternative due to its “meat-like” texture when cooked. A typical serving has about 2 grams of protein, compared to 6-7 grams of protein in an ounce of meat, poultry, or fish. In this post you’ll find all the information on what jackfruit is, what it tastes like, where to buy, and 12 delicious jackfruit recipes.

Whatis Jackfruit?

Also known as jack tree, jackfruit is a species of tree in fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. It originated in southwest Asia and now grows in more countries including Africa and Brazil. A mature jack tree can produce up to 500 fruits per year.

The fruits have an oblong shape, green color with a bumpy exterior, and a strong, unpleasant odor. On the inside, there are many light-yellow plump bulbs which are sweet and delicious. There are 2 common ways to eat this fruit:

• Green jackfruit (unripe/young) – often used in savory dishes.
• Yellow ripe jackfruit – often eaten like any other fresh fruit.

JackfruitBenefits

Jackfruitis loaded with nutrients and has many impressivehealth benefits:

• It’s packed with protein, minerals and other nutrients such as Vitamin B and Potassium.
• Rich in thiamin and riboflavin, and helps to boost energy. It also keeps your eyes, skin and hair healthy.
• It’s loaded with fiber, which helps improve digestion.
• Jackfruit seeds contain compounds that help to prevent contamination with bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.

WhatDoes Jackfruit Taste Like?

Unripe Jackfruit (green jackfruit) has a neutral taste that’s slightly sweet. It’s not really fruity, or meaty. The texture is similar to shredded meat like pulled pork once cooked. It’s not chewy, but soft and melts in your mouth.

Ripe jackfruit is very sweet, and the taste resembles a cross between apple, mango and pineapple with a unique stinky smell.

JackfruitNutrition

According to USDA, 1 cup of sliced jackfruit contains 157 calories, about 2 grams fat, 38 grams carbs, 2.8 grams of protein, and 40 milligrams of calcium.

CannedJackfruit and How to Prepare it for Cooking?

Both green and ripe jackfruit are available in canned forms. If you are preparing a savory dish, use green jackfruit. After you open the can, you’ll find wedges of jackfruit in brine or water. First, drain and rinse the fruit thoroughly. There’s a tough core at the tip of each wedge, and you can pinch it off. Then shred the rest by gently pulling it apart. (You can cut the cores into small pieces as the canned cores and seeds are edible). Now your jackfruit is ready to be cooked. It’s important to season it up as it’s usually bland with sour flavor on its own.

For the ripe jackfruit soaked in syrup, you can eat them straight from the can, or make it into smoothies. They’re very sweet and bold in flavor.

BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

This is myfavorite way to cook jackfruit, and it will fool any meat lover! To makejackfruit like pulled pork, use canned green jackfruit in brine (NOT syrup).

Start withheating the skillet over medium-high heat, and add oil, minced garlic, andsliced onions. Cook for 5 minutes. Then add jackfruit, all the seasonings, andwater. Stir fry to coat and reduce heat to low-medium. Cover and cook for about20 minutes.

Serve them over vegan tortillas for a complete vegan meal! It’s a great make-ahead recipe, as the jackfruit “meat” keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a microwave or skillet, and then serve it in warm tortillas.

Pro Tips: The canned green jackfruit is usually quite sour, it’s important to add enough seasonings and honey to balance out the sour flavor.

FrequentlyAsked Questions

What’sthe Difference Between Jackfruit and Durian?

While both jackfruit and durian have horny rind, jackfruit is much bigger than durian. Jackfruit has a rough pebbly shell while the durian has a spikey shell.

On theinside, jackfruit is more of a sweetish fruit, while durian has a smooth, sweetbut pungent taste.

Howto Cut Fresh Jackfruit?

Cuttingjackfruit is very easy. Place it on a clean cutting board and cut the fruit inhalf lengthwise using a large sharp knife.

Then cut each half into quarters. Remove the center (or the core) of the fruit and peel the outer layer back to loosen the pods. If they’re ripe, you can remove the seeds and serve immediately.

Whereto Buy Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is usually available in Asian grocers and sporadically in other grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. The canned jackfruit is more accessible than fresh ones. If you can’t find any, try ordering online (Amazon).

12 Jackfruit Recipes

1. Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches
2. Slow Cooker BBQ Jackfruit Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
3. Canned Jackfruit Recipes
4. Jackfruit Carnitas
5. Easy Jackfruit “Chicken” Quinoa Bowls
6. Easy Vegan Jackfruit Curry
7. Mexican-style Pulled Jackfruit Tacos
8. Jackfruit Chips
9. Pulled Jackfruit BBQ Burger with Fennel Slaw
10. Slow Cooker Jackfruit Tacos
11. Pulled Jackfruit Enchiladas
12. Shredded Jackfruit Veg Carnitas Recipe