Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit that grows on trees and is known for its sweet taste and meaty texture. It is a plant-based ingredient that is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Originating from South and Southeast Asia, jackfruit is becoming popular in Western cuisine for its versatility and unique flavour profile.

To obtain jackfruit for consumption, the fruit is harvested when ripe and then the fleshy parts are used for cooking. The edible part of the fruit can be consumed fresh, canned, or dried. When used as a meat substitute, the ripe jackfruit is often used in dishes like curries, stews, and sandwiches. The unripe jackfruit has a more neutral taste and is commonly used in savoury dishes due to its ability to soak up flavours.

Jackfruit appears on food labels as an ingredient because of its ability to mimic the texture of meat, making it a popular choice for plant-based alternatives. It can add a chewy and fibrous texture to dishes like vegan pulled "pork" sandwiches, curries, and tacos. Due to its mild flavour, jackfruit easily absorbs the seasonings and spices it is cooked with, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury recipes.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing Jackfruit