[UPDATE] What is jackfruit? What does jackfruit taste like? FAQ

1. What is jackfruit

Jackfruit is a big, tropical fruit that grows in warm places like South and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Moraceae family, including figs, mulberries, and breadfruit. The jackfruit tree, Artocarpus heterophyllus, can grow up to 20 meters (65 feet) tall. Jackfruit is the biggest tree-borne fruit, with individual fruits weighing between 10 to 50 kilograms (22 to 110 pounds).

The Jackfruit has a thick, green, bumpy outer skin, with a fibrous, yellow-orange pulp and big seeds inside. Jackfruit has a distinctive, sweet, and fruity aroma. Its taste can be described as a combination of flavors similar to apples, bananas, mangoes, and pineapples.

Jackfruit is highly versatile and can be consumed in various stages of ripeness. Its texture is similar to pulled meat’s when unripe, making it a popular meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. The ripe fruit tastes sweet and can be eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and other sweet dishes. The edible seeds can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour.

Jackfruit is also rich in nutrients, including vitamins C and A, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

2. What does jackfruit taste like

Jackfruit is a unique fruit with a distinct appearance, aroma, texture, and taste. Visually, it has a green, bumpy outer skin, and the inside is yellow-orange with soft, fleshy parts and large seeds.

The aroma of jackfruit is sweet and fruity, often described as a mix of pineapple, banana, and mango. Its smell can be quite strong, especially when the fruit is ripe.

As for the texture, ripe jackfruit is soft, tender, and a bit chewy. The fleshy parts can be easily pulled apart, making it pleasant to eat. When the fruit is unripe, the texture is firmer and resembles that of pulled meat, which makes it a popular meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

When it comes to taste, jackfruit has a sweet and tropical flavor that is a combination of different fruits, such as apples, bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. The taste can be more pronounced and sweeter when the fruit is ripe, while unripe jackfruit has a milder and less sweet taste, making it suitable for savory dishes.

3. What does jackfruit smell like

Jackfruit has a unique and strong aroma that is sweet and fruity. Its smell is often described as a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango scents. When the fruit is ripe, the aroma can be quite intense, filling the surrounding area with its distinct fragrance. Some people find the smell of jackfruit pleasant, while others may find it overpowering or unusual.

4. When is jackfruit in season

Jackfruit typically has two main seasons during which it is harvested. The first season usually occurs from March to June, and the second season takes place from September to December. However, the exact timing of the jackfruit season may vary depending on the region and local climate conditions. In some areas with favorable conditions, jackfruit trees may bear fruit throughout the year, although the yield may be lower outside of the main seasons.

5. How to tell if jackfruit is ripe

To determine if jackfruit is ripe, you can look for several signs:

1. Color: A ripe jackfruit will have a greenish-yellow or light brown color, while an unripe one will be green. As the fruit ripens, its color will gradually change.
2. Smell: Ripe jackfruit will have a strong, sweet, and fruity aroma. The smell will be more pronounced near the stem end of the fruit. If the fruit has no smell or only a faint scent, it may not be ripe yet.
3. Touch: Press the jackfruit gently with your fingers. A ripe jackfruit will have a slight give to it, indicating the flesh inside is soft and ready to eat. If the fruit feels hard or doesn’t yield to gentle pressure, it may not be ripe.
4. Sound: Tap the jackfruit lightly with your fingers or knuckles. A ripe jackfruit will produce a hollow sound, while an unripe one will produce a dull or solid sound.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the ripeness of jackfruit can vary depending on factors like its variety and storage conditions. It’s also important to note that if jackfruit is overly ripe, it may develop an unpleasant, overripe smell, and the fruit inside may become mushy.

6. How to eat jackfruit

Eating jackfruit can be a bit messy due to its size and sticky texture, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to eat jackfruit:

1. Prepare your workspace: Lay down some newspaper or plastic wrap on a flat surface to catch any juice or debris. Also, have a sharp knife, cutting board, and a bowl ready to collect the fruit.
2. Oil your hands and knife: Jackfruit has a sticky sap, so it’s a good idea to apply some oil (like coconut or vegetable oil) to your hands and knife to make the process easier.
3. Cut the jackfruit: Place the jackfruit on its side and cut off both ends. Then, stand it up on one of the flat ends and slice it vertically in half. You can continue to cut each half into smaller sections if you prefer.
4. Remove the fruit pods: In each section, you’ll see the yellow-orange fruit pods surrounding the large seeds. Using your hands or a small knife, carefully remove the pods from the fibrous core and the outer rind. Discard the rind and fibrous core.
5. Separate the seeds: In each fruit pod, you’ll find one or two large seeds. Use your fingers to remove the seeds from the pods. The seeds are edible when cooked, so you can save them if you’d like.
6. Enjoy the fruit: The jackfruit pods can be eaten fresh as they are. The taste is sweet and tropical, with a soft and slightly chewy texture.

Remember, ripe jackfruit is usually eaten raw, while unripe jackfruit is often used in savory dishes as a meat substitute. If you’re using unripe jackfruit for cooking, you’ll need to cook it first, usually by boiling or simmering in a sauce until tender.

7. How to cook jackfruit

Cooking jackfruit generally involves two stages: preparation and cooking. Here is a general guideline on how to cook jackfruit:

1. Preparation: a. If using fresh jackfruit, follow the steps mentioned in the “How to eat jackfruit” answer to cut and remove the fruit pods and seeds. b. If using canned jackfruit, drain the can and rinse the jackfruit pieces thoroughly under cold water to remove any brine or syrup.
2. Cooking: a. Unripe jackfruit: Typically used as a meat substitute in savory dishes, unripe jackfruit needs to be cooked until tender. You can boil or simmer the jackfruit pieces in a pot with enough water or broth to cover them. Cook for about 30-45 minutes or until the pieces are soft and easily shredded with a fork. Drain the cooked jackfruit and shred it using two forks or your fingers, then use it in recipes like tacos, sandwiches, stir-fries, or stews. b. Ripe jackfruit: The sweet and tender fruit pods can be eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies. You can also cook ripe jackfruit by baking, grilling, or pan-frying the fruit pieces with a little oil and your choice of seasonings or sauces.

The exact cooking method and additional ingredients will depend on the specific recipe you’re following, but these general guidelines should help you get started with cooking jackfruit.

8. Where to buy jackfruit

You can buy jackfruit at various locations, depending on where you live and the availability of the fruit in your region. Here are some places where you can find jackfruit:

1. Local markets or grocery stores: Check the produce section of your local market or grocery store, as they may carry fresh jackfruit, especially during the fruit’s peak season. Some stores may also stock canned or frozen jackfruit, which is available year-round.
2. Asian markets: Jackfruit is more commonly found in Asian markets, as it is a native fruit of South and Southeast Asia. These markets may carry fresh, canned, or frozen jackfruit.
3. Online retailers: Some online stores and specialty websites sell jackfruit products, including canned or frozen jackfruit, jackfruit seeds, and even jackfruit chips. Search for reputable retailers that deliver to your area.
4. Health food stores: Some health food stores and specialty shops that focus on vegan or vegetarian products may carry jackfruit, as it is a popular meat substitute.

Remember that fresh jackfruit can be quite large and heavy, so if you’re buying it whole, be prepared to transport it and handle it carefully. If you’re new to jackfruit or want a more convenient option, consider trying canned or frozen jackfruit, which is typically pre-cut and easier to work with.

9. What is jackfruit good for

Jackfruit is a versatile and nutritious fruit with several benefits for your health and diet. Here are some reasons why jackfruit is good for you:

1. Rich in nutrients: Jackfruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
2. High in antioxidants: The fruit contains various antioxidants that help protect your body from oxidative stress and cellular damage. Antioxidants in jackfruit include carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C.
3. Boosts the immune system: With its high vitamin C content, jackfruit helps support a healthy immune system and assists in the body’s production of collagen, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues.
4. Aids digestion: The dietary fiber in jackfruit can promote healthy digestion and help prevent constipation by adding bulk to your stool and promoting regular bowel movements.
5. Heart-healthy: Potassium in jackfruit can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels by counteracting the effects of sodium in the body. Additionally, the antioxidants in jackfruit may help protect against heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
6. Versatile ingredient: Jackfruit can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Unripe jackfruit is popular as a plant-based meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian recipes, while ripe jackfruit can be enjoyed fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and more.

Overall, jackfruit is a nutritious and versatile fruit that can offer several health benefits and be a delicious addition to your diet.