A Guide to Jackfruit: Discover the Wonders of Biggest Fruit in the World with Soul Fruit

 

Welcome to the vibrant world of Jackfruit! If you're curious about this unique and massive tropical fruit, you've come to the right place. At Soul Fruit, we're passionate about bringing you the best fruit snacks, and jackfruit is a standout star in our fruit family! Let's dive into the wonderful details of this exotic fruit and answer all your burning questions!

What is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, hailing from South and Southeast Asia. This green giant can weigh up to 45 kg and grow up to 90 cm long. Inside, it reveals a treasure trove of sweet, fragrant, and fleshy pods that can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of dishes. Jackfruit is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a favourite among health enthusiasts.

What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?

Jackfruit has a unique taste that's hard to pin down. Most people describe it as a blend of tropical fruits like pineapple, banana, and mango. The texture varies from crunchy and firm when unripe to soft and juicy when ripe.

Is Jackfruit Sweet?

Ripe Jackfruit is naturally sweet, with a flavour that many describe as a mix of  pineapple, mango, and banana. Whats not to love with that combo of flavours! Young Jackfruit is used in savoury cooking before it has ripened to develop its sweet flavour. This makes it such a versatile fruit, perfect for both desserts when ripe and savoury dishes when still young.

Is Jackfruit Good for You?

Yes, Jackfruit is incredibly good for you! It's a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium, and dietary fibre. These nutrients support immune health, improve digestion, and contribute to overall well-being.

What Is Jackfruit Good For?

Jackfruit is good for boosting your immune system, aiding digestion, and providing energy. It's rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting heart health, skin health, and overall wellness. The high fibre content aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, making it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight. Additionally, Jackfruit has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes.

How Many Calories in a Jackfruit?

A 100-gram serving of raw Jackfruit contains approximately 95 calories. It's a low-calorie fruit that provides a good source of fibre and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for snacking and cooking.

Are Jackfruit and Durian the Same?

Nope, Jackfruit and Durian are not the same. While both are large, tropical fruits with spiky exteriors, they have distinct differences. Jackfruit has a sweet, mild flavour, while Durian, on the other hand, is infamous for its strong odour and rich, custard-like flesh. 

Are Jackfruit Seeds Edible?

Yes, Jackfruit seeds are edible and quite nutritious! They can be boiled, roasted, or even turned into a delicious curry. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, jackfruit seeds are a healthy addition to your diet.

Are Jackfruit Chips Healthy?

Absolutely! Jackfruit chips are a tasty and healthy snack option, especially when they haven't been fried in oils. Soul Fruit’s Jackfruit Chips are simply dried meaning they are low in calories, high in fibre, and free from unhealthy fats. We use Freeze Drying to retain their nutritional value, whilst turning them into a crunchy and satisfying treat.

Are Jackfruit and Breadfruit the Same?

While they share some similarities, jackfruit and breadfruit are different fruits. Both belong to the Moraceae family, but jackfruit is sweeter and has a more complex flavour profile, whereas breadfruit is starchy and often used as a vegetable in cooking.

Can Jackfruit Be Eaten Raw?

Yes, ripe jackfruit can be eaten raw. Its juicy, golden flesh is delightful on its own or added to fruit salads and smoothies. Just make sure to remove the seeds and the fibrous core before enjoying.

How to Cook with Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From jackfruit tacos and curries to jackfruit pulled “pork” sandwiches, there are countless recipes to explore. Its texture makes it a fantastic meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian dishes.
But at Soul Fruit, we also have plenty of recipes with dried jackfruit. From breakfast smoothie bowl to dipping it in hummus or topping it on a salad, the sky is the limit!

How Does Jackfruit Grow?

Jackfruit grows on the branches and trunks of the jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus). Native to South Asia, these trees can reach up to 80 feet tall! The fruit itself can weigh as much as 100 pounds, making it the largest tree-borne fruit in the world.

Jackfruit: How to Cut It?

Cutting a jackfruit can be a bit of a challenge due to its size and sticky sap. Here's a quick guide:

1. Oil your knife and hands to prevent sticking. Dan, our founder, recommends using baby oil!
2. Cut the fruit in half, then into quarters.
3. Cut out the core and try to turn the fruit inside out. This helps expose the pods.
4. Separate the fleshy pods from the rind and remove the seeds. Et Voilà!

How to Tell if Your Jackfruit is Ripe?

A ripe jackfruit has a strong, sweet fragrance and yields slightly to pressure. The skin colour turns from green to yellow-brown. When tapped, it should sound hollow.

Where Is Jackfruit From?

Jackfruit is native to South Asia, specifically the rainforests of the Western Ghats in India. Today, it's cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and the Caribbean.

Where Does Jackfruit Grow?

Jackfruit thrives in tropical climates and grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. You'll find jackfruit trees flourishing in countries like India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Why Is Jackfruit Called Jackfruit?

The name "Jackfruit" is believed to have originated from the Portuguese word "jaca," which in turn comes from the Malayalam word "chakka." When Portuguese traders discovered the fruit in India, they adopted the local name, which eventually evolved into "jackfruit."

Fun Facts About Jackfruit

• World's Largest Tree Fruit: It holds the title of the largest tree-borne fruit! The biggest jackfruit ever recorded weighed a whopping 42.72 kilograms and measured 57.15 cm in length with a circumference of 132.08 cm. This colossal jackfruit was grown in Pune, Maharashtra, India, and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest jackfruit. Imagine the number of delicious jackfruit bags we could make with that!
• Multiple Uses: Every part of the jackfruit tree is useful. The leaves are used as fodder, the wood is used in furniture making, and the seeds are often roasted or boiled as snacks.
• Sustainable Crop: Jackfruit trees are hardy and require little maintenance, making them an eco-friendly crop that supports sustainable agriculture.

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Explore the exotic flavours of jackfruit with Soul Fruit's snacks. Whether you're munching on our jackfruit chips or experimenting with recipes, you're in for a tropical treat that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Happy snacking!

Dried Jackfruit: A Delicious and Convenient Snack

At Soul Fruit, we believe in bringing you the best of what nature has to offer, and our dried jackfruit is no exception. Dried jackfruit is a convenient and healthy snack that retains all the nutritional benefits of fresh jackfruit. It’s perfect for on-the-go snacking, adding to your breakfast cereal, or even incorporating into your baking recipes.

Why Choose Dried Jackfruit?

1. Nutrient-Dense: Dried jackfruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a smart choice for a healthy snack.
2. Natural Sweetness: It’s naturally sweet with no added sugars, making it a guilt-free treat.
3. Long Shelf Life: Dried jackfruit can be stored for longer periods without refrigeration, making it a perfect pantry staple.
4. Versatility: Enjoy it straight out of the bag, add it to your trail mix, or use it as a topping for yoghurt and salads.

Jackfruit is truly a marvel of nature, offering a delicious and nutritious option for snacking to vegan alternatives. Whether you enjoy it fresh, cooked, or dried, jackfruit is sure to add a unique and delightful flavour to your diet. 

Don't forget to check out our Crunchy Jackfruit Chips and other exciting fruit snacks such as Dragon Fruit and Mango. Stay tuned to our blog for more exciting fruit features, recipes, and health tips.

SNACK ON JACKFRUIT NOW