What is jackfruit?
Jackfruit is an incredibly versatile fruit that is rich in vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds. While fresh jackfruit can be purchased in some grocery stores and Asian markets, packaged, canned, dried and frozen jackfruit are easier to work with.
Jackfruit is remarkable for the multitude of health benefits it offers, its sustainability and its culinary versatility. The tropical fruit has been called a miracle food and is popping up on menus as demand grows. Have you tried jackfruit tacos or jackfruit barbecue yet?
A species of tree in the fig, mulberry and breadfruit family, jackfruit originated in southwest India and spread to other tropical and subtropical areas. One jackfruit tree can produce up to three tons of food providing an incredible source of nourishment and income for people in Africa, India, Thailand and Malaysia, among others. In the United States, jackfruit is grown in Florida and Hawaii.
Jackfruit is rich in nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants and boasts a lineup of vitamins and minerals. The seeds are especially nutritious and are a source of resistant starch that acts as food for beneficial gut bacteria. Recent studies reveal jackfruit seed’s promising role in managing type 2 diabetes due to their blood sugar-lowering properties.
The plant compounds in jackfruit are known for their eye health benefits, and jackfruit’s antioxidants may have beneficial properties for the heart. According to the National Library of Medicine, jacalin, a lectin found in jackfruit’s flesh and seeds, may be beneficial for the immune system and staving off cancer.
While already a staple food in many traditional dishes across Southeast Asia, jackfruit is appearing more in other parts of the world. Depending on whether it is eaten unripe and green or ripe and yellow, it can be savory and “meaty” or a sweet and delicious fruit. Green jackfruits soak up herbs, spices and other flavorings, making it perfect for making plant-based versions of shredded chicken, pulled pork and other meat-like meals. The seeds can be boiled or roasted and eaten as snacks, with a taste that is similar to chestnuts. Ripe jackfruit has a fruity, melon-like sweetness that can make any dessert tropical.
Fresh jackfruit can be found in some grocery stores, Asian markets and natural food stores, and sometimes it can be purchased in smaller quantities since jackfruits are very large. Check the labels of products for added sugar or sodium.
For how to cut, cook and eat jackfruit, visit foodrevolution.org/blog/jackfruit-recipes/. People with latex allergies should avoid jackfruit because of the sap.
Jackfruit plant growing in the wild.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos
