Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that can serve as a meat substitute, thanks to its strong, savory taste and texture that mimics pulled pork. Or it can serve as a dessert when its sweet, creamy meat is steamed and served with ice cream. Additionally, it’s also a great fruit for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who wants to eat less meat. It’s low in calories and high in fiber. So, it’s no wonder that jackfruit is the new darling of the foodie world.

So What Does Jackfruit Look Like?

Typically referred to as Jackfruit, the name in other languages can be quite different. For example: in Hindi it is known as Kantri or Chakka. In Malay, it is called Nangka.

Found on the Asian continent, the tree bears one of the largest fruits in the world. It’s a tall tree that can reach up to 50 feet high. It has green leaves and pale yellow flowers. The fruit itself is a large oval shape and can weigh up to 80 pounds. It is usually 16 to 28 inches long and 4 to 8 inches wide. The flesh is yellow-green, starchy, and similar to a chestnut. It can taste like a combination of apple, pineapple, pear, banana, melon, and mango. Although ripeness plays a factor in whether it’s more sweet or savory.

Remarkable Reasons To Eat More

If you’ve been thinking about adding more nutritious foods to your diet, but aren’t sure where to start, we can help. Here are nine of the most remarkable reasons to eat jackfruit.

1. Popular tropical fruit in India and Southeast Asia, it can be eaten fresh or used to make a number of tasty dishes
2. A good source of minerals and nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Manganese, and Folate, it’s one of the healthiest tropical fruits out there
3. It’s a rich source of dietary fiber and therefore great for your digestive health
4. High in protective antioxidants, which are linked to various health benefits
5. Helps maintain healthy blood pressure due to the high amounts of potassium it contains
6. Has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not cause blood sugar levels to spike like other foods
7. A low amount of calories and fat-free makes for the possibility of jackfruit being an agent for weight loss
8. Rich levels of magnesium and iron help to improve sleep quality, possibly relieving insomnia or other sleep disorders
9. It’s beneficial to treat ulcers because it contains powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties

What To Do With It?

As you can see, jackfruit has many beneficial properties that warrant it being added to your diet on at least a semi-regular schedule. It has a mild taste and can be used in stir-fries, curries, and other savory dishes. Jackfruit is used in desserts and many other ways. In the past, it has been called a ‘vegetable-fruit’ because it is used as a vegetable. It can usually be found canned, but can also be dried, frozen, or fresh. It’s a great alternative to meat because of the low calories and reduced fat, while still delivering a hearty and filling meal.

Our very own Carriage House Bakery and Deli have been experimenting more with jackfruit. It has produced such items as jackfruit chili, salad, noodle soup, BBQ, and more. Check the daily updates on our blog to see if the Deli has a jackfruit creation on offer today!

Cooking With Jackfruit

If you are feeling adventurous you can always try on your chef hat and cook with jackfruit at home. The Co-op has it available in a convenient shelf-stable pouch. Check out this link for jackfruit recipes if you need inspiration!