The most important facts summarized for you:
- Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is mainly grown in India and Bangladesh
- Jackfruits are among the largest tree fruits in the world
- The fruits are versatile: when ripe, they are used as fruit and as an ingredient in many desserts
- When unripe, jackfruit is often used as a meat substitute due to its consistency and neutral taste
Jackfruit, also known as “jack tree fruit” or “scallop fruit”, has caused a real hype in recent years, especially in the meat-free scene. And with good reason – hardly any other fruit is as versatile as jackfruit. Let’s take a closer look at this special food.
Origin & distribution of jackfruit
Jackfruit originally comes from the tropical regions of South and South-East Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh. It belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae) and is closely related to the breadfruit. Due to increased demand, jackfruit is now also cultivated in other tropical regions such as Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia.
The jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) can grow up to 20 meters high and bears the largest tree fruits in the world. A single fruit can weigh up to 40 kilograms and reach a length of one meter. As already mentioned, this robust plant thrives particularly well in tropical climates and can also withstand periods of drought.
In times of an increasingly changing climate, this is a great advantage for the agricultural cultivation of the fruit.
What does the jackfruit look like?
The fruit body of the jackfruit appears green to yellow, is covered with spines and has a thick, leathery skin. Inside the fruit are numerous yellow segments of flesh surrounded by large, edible seeds.
The flesh of the ripe jackfruit has a sweet, tropical taste reminiscent of a mixture of mango, banana and pineapple. When unripe, however, the flesh is firmer and neutral in taste. Due to its consistency and neutral taste, unripe jackfruit is often used as a meat alternative.
Culinary uses of jackfruit
Jackfruit is extremely versatile. When ripe, it is often eaten as a fresh fruit, processed into smoothies or used in ice cream, fruit salads or jams. In Asian countries in particular, jackfruit is an important ingredient in many sweet dishes.
Unripe jackfruit, on the other hand, is used as a savory ingredient in spicy dishes. Thanks to its meat-like consistency, it is used in various dishes such as curries, stews or as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian recipes. In Western cuisine in particular, it is increasingly being used as a plant-based alternative to pulled pork or chicken.
Jackfruit seeds are also edible. Roasted, they serve as a nutty snack that is reminiscent of chestnuts. The seeds can be eaten as they are or added to curries and the like. In some regions, jackfruit seeds are even processed into flour.
The benefits of jackfruit
Health benefits of jackfruit
Jackfruit offers a wealth of health benefits:
- Rich in nutrients: Jackfruit contains vitamin C, which can boost the immune system, and potassium, which can regulate blood pressure. It also provides a moderate amount of vitamin A and various B vitamins.
- High in fiber: The flesh of jackfruit is high in fiber, which can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. This can be helpful in reducing the risk of constipation, for example.
- Plant-based source of protein: Jackfruit seeds in particular are rich in plant-based protein. This makes them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Support for blood sugar regulation: Due to its low glycemic index and fiber content, eating jackfruit can help keep blood sugar levels stable. This property may be of particular interest to diabetics.
- Antioxidant properties: Jackfruit contains antioxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of cell damage. In the long term, this can help to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Sustainability and ecological benefits
In addition to its health benefits, jackfruit is also interesting from an ecological point of view.
- Easy to care for & drought-resistant: The jackfruit tree is easy to care for and requires little water. It therefore also thrives in hot, dry regions. This makes the plant a sustainable source of food in regions affected by water shortages.
- Fast yield: The tree also bears fruit quickly and offers a rich harvest, which makes it particularly attractive economically.
- Ecological footprint: Jackfruit has to travel halfway around the world before it can end up on our plates. Nevertheless, the ecological footprint of jackfruit is significantly smaller than that of a pork steak or chicken cutlet. So if you actually replace meat with jackfruit, you can save CO2 emissions.
In short, jackfruit is an extraordinary fruit with a wide range of uses and numerous health benefits. Whether as a sweet fruit or as a meat substitute, jackfruit has established itself as a versatile food.
With its nutritious composition and ecological benefits, it could play a significant role in the future diet, especially with regard to a sustainable and plant-based lifestyle.
Dried Jackfruit product retains its natural color, no deformation, no caramelization, and is not oil-absorbent. Moderate crunchy and the aroma of jackfruit is still preserved after drying.
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Source: Honest rare
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