Jackfruit is an exotic Asian fruit that makes an excellent meat substitute. Although it is large and a bit challenging to work with, jackfruit recipes are always worth the labor they require.
Jackfruit is a large, tropical green fruit related to figs and mulberries. Known for its distinctive flavor, a jackfruit is larger than any other fruit and can grow up to 100 lbs., though the ones in the grocery store are usually a bit smaller.
The outside of the jackfruit is green or brown, and the inside will be orange if ripe. Although jackfruit looks similar to durian, they are not the same thing; there is no need to worry about a strange smell coming from a Jackfruit.
What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?
Jackfruit is unique in taste, as it can be eaten when ripe, or when unripe. When ripe, jackfruit is sweet, with a slightly sour finishing taste, similar to an orange or mango. When underripe, jackfruit doesn’t have much taste, but its tough and stringy texture makes it an excellent meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Is Jackfruit Healthier Than Other Meat Substitutes?
The healthiness of jackfruit varies depending on how it is prepared. Jackfruit is naturally low in calories and fat, but when the fruit is used as a meat substitute, it isn’t fully ripe, so it actually doesn’t have many vitamins or minerals just yet.
Additionally, because it’s a fruit, it doesn’t contain much protein as other meat substitutes like tofu or seitan—only about 2 grams per cup. While jackfruit isn’t considered a health food, it isn’t unhealthy either, and it does contain fiber, making it a decent meat replacement.
What to Know About Cooking With Jackfruit
1. Wear Gloves
Wearing gloves when cooking with jackfruit can help prevent the sticky sap inside the skin surrounding the fruit from adhering to and damaging your skin as it is sliced.
2. Protect the Countertop
Using parchment paper or foil will protect your countertop when cooking with jackfruit since the sap can damage the countertop finish and be difficult to clean.
3. Plan to Pressure Cook
Because of its fibrous texture, jackfruit is best cooked in a pressure cooker which will make it easier to shred and mimic pulled meat, though a steamer can work as well.
4. Cook in Small Batches
Jackfruit is huge, and it will cook best when divided into a couple of different cooking sessions to ensure all parts are cooked thoroughly.
5. Rinse Canned Jackfruit Before Cooking
Jackfruit also comes in convenient cans. Just be sure to rinse away the brine prior to cooking; otherwise, the jackfruit will retain a salty taste.
Where to Buy Jackfruit?
Jackfruit can be purchased fresh or in cans at most Asian markets. Some chains like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods also carry jackfruit, but usually only on a seasonal basis.
Fresh jackfruit is usually somewhere in the produce section, while canned Jackfruit is kept by the spreads, like hummus, or in the meat replacement section next to the vegan meats.
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