You may or may not have noticed one of these beauties in an unsuspecting corner of your grocers’ produce area. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, one could recoil at the site of this and promptly make a beeline for the gala apples on sale. You would be making a massive mistake, as finding this offering in your local US grocer is a gift and a rarity.
It is a Jackfruit and it is the reigning “It Girl” among the super fruits. Found in South and Southeast Asia, the Jackfruit thrives in subtropical climates. It is the largest tree born fruit, ranging in sizing and weighing anywhere from 10 lbs. to over a whopping 100 lbs. In India, the epicenter of the Jackfruit population, it is said that 75% of what is produced goes to waste due to the fact that it isn't harvested in time. It is sustainable and offers up to five raw materials in the use of its fruit, skin, seeds and nourishment. This fruit is seemingly a godsend for India, which holds a quarter of the world’s undernourished inhabitants. It also presents opportunity for trade and income, as it’s knowledge base expands and popularity grows.
A darling of the vegan and vegetarian communities, the Jackfruit is loaded with nutritional value. Boasting as a good source of protein, iron, potassium, and calcium, while providing an impressive 20% of daily fiber in a 1 cup serving. It can be eaten raw (my favorite), stir fried, curried, served atop ice cream, and barbecued. A vegan’s dream, as it has been likened to “pulled pork” (their claims, not mine). The texture, reminiscent of an artichoke heart. The taste, reminiscent of what you'd expect if a banana, mango and pineapple bore a love child. A complete tropical paradise for your palette.
Preparing a Jackfruit does take some work, as they are huge and the shell is a bit tough. Once opened, the fruit contains pods that need to be unseeded. However, with a well oiled knife, due to a sticky substance on the inside stem, and some time, you will be well on your way to enjoying. If you happen to bypass one of these aforementioned beauties in your local grocer, I encourage you to give it a try. It is delightful, and can be a welcomed addition to your food pyramid.
{True Story}
As I was writing this piece, I received a text from a dear friend. She sent a photo of herself in a hospital bed. After confirming that she was in the ER, she explained that a coworker brought an exotic fruit into work to share. Eager to try, she took a bite and started to enjoy. Her excitement was short lived as she started to experience an immediate allergic reaction to the treat. That treat indeed was Jackfruit. While she has had similar reactions to apples and other raw vegetables, she reported that this was immediate and intense. All turn out well in the end. She was disappointed that she wouldn't be able to partake in the Jackfruit again as she found it to be good. With that said, please approach trying this fruit and all other unfamiliar delicacies with caution.
*Please note that the inside stem needs to be completely removed before removing the fruit pods and unseeding.