Welcome to our how-to series! Where we’ll break down all of the how-to musts for plant based cooking and vegan living. Today, we’ll continue with a vegan favorite: how to cook with jackfruit. 🌱
What is Jackfruit?
First, what is jackfruit? It comes from a tropical tree fruit native to India. Jackfruits are very large. In fact, it is the largest tree fruit in the world. And, they can reach up to 80 pounds in weight!
Jackfruits consist of a bumpy, thick, greenish-yellow exterior. Inside, it has a yellowish-brown flesh, with edible seeds and pods.
Jackfruit has a subtle sweetness and tastes like a cross between pineapple, apple, and banana. However, due to its fibrous texture, jackfruit also makes a great savory meat replacement in plant based cooking. Jackfruit is the perfect whole food shredded meat substitute!
Jackfruit contains no cholesterol and is also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It also contains many other essential vitamins and minerals. And, compared to other fruits, jackfruit contains over three times the amount of protein. Jackfruit is also rich in several types of antioxidants.
Vegan cooking with Jackfruit
Jackfruit is quite versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. In addition, it takes on the flavor of the seasoning and ingredients you’re cooking it with.
To prepare a whole jackfruit, slice in half. Then, remove the inner yellow fruit pods and seeds from the skin. You can do this with a knife or simply with your hands.
Whole jackfruits can be found in many health food stores and Asian markets.
Unripe (also called young or green) jackfruit is best used in savory dishes. Ripe jackfruit is sweeter and best used in desserts.
Jackfruit can also be purchased canned. (If you are new to jackfruit, I recommend starting with canned. It is far less intimidating and easy to work with. 😉 )
Young, unripe jackfruit comes canned in brine. Ripe jackfruit comes in syrup, and is therefore sweet. Use the brined for savory dishes and syrup for sweet dishes. Additionally, jackfruit can also be found in pouches in the refrigerated or freezer sections.
Rinse jackfruit well before use. Then, prepare as desired.
Jackfruit can be chopped, diced, shredded, or pulsed in the food processor.
Plant Based Jackfruit Recipes
This is seriously one of my new favorite dishes! 😋
I did one version with the crunchy breading and one without. Both were excellent. 🌱
One of my husband’s absolute favorites! These are really, really good. 🌱
Perfect for your vegan St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀
For more amazing jackfruit recipes, be sure to check out my jackfruit Pinterest board. What are your favorite jackfruit dishes? Or will this be your first time trying jackfruit? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to follow my social media this week for lots of vegan jackfruit deliciousness! 😋