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What does Jackfruit taste like?
The one thing about this fruit is that it piques curiosity.
The strange thick, bumpy skin, filled with plump, and stringy pods, get you to anticipate what the inside might taste like.
And I get this question a lot because, for most people, Jackfruit is an ethnic cuisine, especially if you are not a vegan or you’ve not been in any part of Asia where this is a daily staple.
Well, if you open the inside of a Jackfruit, it looks like shredded meat. And it has a distinctively sweet flavor with traces of mango, banana, pineapple, and it tastes more like Juicy fruit gum.
And yeah, it is a popular meat alternative for vegans due to its meaty texture.
But what actually is Jackfruit, though?
What Is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is the largest tropical tree-borne fruit in the world. It can weigh around 10 to 60 or 110 lbs (4.5-20 or 50 kg). And could be eight into 3 ft long and 6 to 29 wide.
The fruit is native to Asia, South America, and Africa. Under its bumpy, think rind is a stringy flesh that you can either cook or eat raw.
You can use unripe Jackfruit anywhere you’d use chopped meat. Also, you can add it to burritos, tacos, sandwiches, omelets, and stir-fries.
When seasoned, they are excellent in stews, soups, and gravies. I have seen many homes cooks pair it with corn tortillas, taco seasoning, and more.
What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?
The moment you start incorporating Jackfruit in your recipes, you’ll become addicted, and you may not be able to stop!
Ripe Jackfruit tastes sweet, like mango, pineapple, and banana. You would appreciate it for smoothies. Overripe Jackfruit has an intense fruity odor and sweetness, with almost a pungent taste.
Meanwhile, the unripe jackfruit pod tastes mild. It has somewhat a neutral flavor. Due to the hearty taste, you can use it to flavor sauces or marinade; the fibrous texture makes it even ideal in veggie patties, vegan tortillas, vegan burgers, and as a chicken substitute.
Wonder how you’re going to prepare this fruit for your recipes?
Most people prefer to purchase the ready-made version. However, if you’re feeling ambitious, get a fresh jackfruit instead, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to sweeten your hands.
First, you will have to cut the fruit in half. Then use your hands to remove the pods and seeds. Don’t worry. You can throw a few pods in your mouth if you lust for it. No worry, it can be eaten raw.
After that, you can try tossing them in the slow cooker with a tangy sauce or pan-frying them. If it is Canned Jackfruit, you can heat it before pairing it with savory flavors like fresh salsa and barbecue sauce.
The inside can get pretty sticky and messy; some people prefer wearing gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Jackfruit Raw?
Of course, you can. Jackfruit is very versatile, and like every other fruit, it can be eaten raw when ripened. You can cook it or use it raw in sweet applications like desserts, whether unripe or young green Jackfruit.
Does Jackfruit Grow In The US?
It barely does!
Jackfruit is mainly cultivated in India and other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and southern China; Central and Eastern Africa,
Although, you can still find a few in South Florida, California, and Hawaii because Jackfruit likes areas that get tropical climates.
Which Jackfruit Parts Are Edible?
Jack fruit consists of three main parts — the outer skin, fleshy bulbs and seeds, and the central core. Among these, you can only eat the bulb and the seed inside.
What Does Jackfruit Do To Your Body?
Jackfruit is healthy.
The pigment that makes this yellow (Carotenoid) made sure, as it is high in vitamin A. And like all antioxidants, carotenoids prevent cells damage, protect your body against diseases, and help with eye problems.
Interestingly, as the Jackfruit ripens, the carotenoid levels increase, tripling its benefits. The seeds may even contain more fighting compounds.
Conclusion
Now you know what Jackfruit taste like, never mistake its nutritional value for meat’s; they are very different.
While they might have almost the same chewy texture, meats are more nutritious than Jackfruit. But half bread is better than non, right? In almost all recipes, Jackfruit can still make amends; it will always be a fruit and not meat from the animal.
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