Have you heard of jackfruit? This large, tropical fruit is a member of the mulberry family, and is native to South and Southeast Asia. It has a sweet taste that makes it ideal for jams and other desserts, and a chewy, stringy texture that makes it a unique plant-based meat substitute. The word jackfruit translates to ‘the meat which grows on a tree’ in Bengal, and it has been used in India and Thailand for centuries as a cooked ingredient in curries and warm salads.
Jackfruit has recently become popular in the Western world as well, and is commonly seen in dishes such as tacos, chilis, and sandwiches on menus at vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Though jackfruit does not contain as much protein as other popular meat replacements, it is high in vitamin C and is a wonderful source of fiber. You can purchase fresh jackfruit in some specialty stores and markets, but it is much easier to find canned jackfruit, often packed in brine. This can be found at many large grocery stores, often in the international section. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to use this fun fruit in your own kitchen.
Top 5 Ways to Use Jackfruit
Build the Perfect BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich. Simply add your favorite barbeque sauce to a can of jackfruit, spread a whole wheat bun with some vegan mayo and a garnish of shredded cabbage and you have a delicious and hearty lunch.
Combine Jackfruit with Mexican Flavors for Taco Tuesday. The meaty texture of jackfruit makes it a perfect filling that resembles carnitas. Try my Jackfruit Black Bean Quinoa Tacos for an easy weeknight dinner!
Add Jackfruit into Your Favorite Chili. I love incorporating jackfruit into my chili for a hearty, meaty element. It goes particularly well in my Smoky Chili with Sweet Potatoes.
Bulk up a Warming Curry Dish with Jackfruit. Jackfruit pairs so well with the savory spices of Indian and Thai curries. Try replacing half the chickpeas in my Chickpea Curry with Sorghum with jackfruit.
Blend Jackfruit into Your Morning Smoothie. It is a fruit after all! Combine frozen banana, mango, pineapple, and jackfruit, along with a splash of coconut milk for a creamy drink that will transport you to a tropical island.
Written by Ally Mirin, dietetic intern with Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN
Learn more tips for using plant foods in these guides:
Top 5 Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds
Top 5 Ways to Use Pomegranates
Top 5 Ways to Use Dark Chocolate
The post What is jackfruit and how can I use it?, written by Ally Mirin, dietetic intern with Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN, first appeared in The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s Have A Plant® blog.
Sharon Palmer, RDN, The Plant Powered Dietitian
Sharon, known as The Plant-Powered Dietitian, is a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and sustainability. A highly recognized registered dietitian, she’s an accomplished writer, speaker, professor, and media expert. Sharon has authored over 1000 articles for outlets like Better Homes and Gardens, Oprah Magazine, and the LA Times, as well as several books. She also runs the popular blog SharonPalmer.com, serving a growing community of 400K+ members!
About The Foundation For Fresh Produce And Have A Plant® Movement
The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s vision is to grow a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. The produce industry has the potential to provide solutions for many of the world’s greatest health and economic challenges – especially those surrounding nutrition and hunger.
The Foundation focuses on improving the appeal of fruit and vegetables as an integral part of people’s diets, supporting the development of infrastructure and supply chain solutions that provide easier access, and establishing strategic alliances that enable children and families to form healthier eating habits.
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