Description
What is jackfruit?
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Tremendously versatile, high in magnesium, vitamin V6 and rich in antioxidants, jackfruit is a highly nutritious choice for the food lover looking for something a little different. So, what is jackfruit and where does it come from? For starters, it is the largest fruit tree in the world.. It is extremely nutritious and can be used in a long list of meat alternative food products. The plant is a member of the breadfruit family and the fruit itself is quite large growing up to three feet in length and weighing up to 100 pounds. The oblong green fruit has a fleshy exterior. When cut open the inside of the fruit reveals many edible yellow bulbs all joined at the core of the fruit. The seeds of the plant are also edible.
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Jackfruit trees are amazingly productive. One plant can produce over 200 fruit in a single year
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The jackfruit tree is found in many Asian countries across Southeast Asia, particularly and is the national fruit of Bangladesh. The fruit is now grown commercially in parts of Australia and the United States such as South Florida where a tropical climate exists.
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What does jackfruit taste like?
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Because it is a tropical fruit many are unfamiliar with, many ask what does jackfruit taste like? Well, the most common description is that jackfruit is very similar in taste to pulled pork. Others have described a taste like pear, pineapple, banana and papaya. Young jackfruit is not as sweet and its flavour has a more neutral quality. The unripe jackfruit is often canned and advertised as green jackfruit highlighting its relative lack of sweetness. Whatever the description of the taste, one thing is for certain… it is delicious!
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How to eat jackfruit?
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Another common question asked is how to eat jackfruit? Well as mentioned above there are numerous ways. It can be eaten raw and fresh, added as an ingredient into wintery soups. It is also a common ingredient in chips, ice creams, jams and juices. But most commonly people add it to a sandwich due to the delicious pulled pork taste that it can provide for the vegan and vegetarian.
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Does jackfruit taste like meat?
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As we’ve already mentioned, Jack fruit has a taste that has been likened to pulled pork. Many advocates for jackfruit believe that the secret to making this fruit a meat substitute is the preparation of complementary sauces and dressings including barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, paprika and the like.
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While it is often used as a meat substitute, the raw product can be consumed as a dessert with ice cream and some have likened this taste to juicy fruit chewing gum.
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Is canned jackfruit healthy?
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As with most canned foods, the canning process may cause the food to lose some of its goodness. However, if there are no other alternatives, canned jackfruit besides being a good source of protein, still represents a healthy food choice.
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Benefits of eating jackfruit
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This remarkable tropical fruit is packed with nutrients, fibre and antioxidants. Just two cups of this fruit contains 350 calories and the following assortment of vitamins and minerals.
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Six grams of fiber
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5.6 grams of protein
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20% of recommended daily vitamin A intake
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36% of recommended daily vitamin C intake
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22% of recommended daily riboflavin intake
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30% of recommended daily magnesium intake
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28% of recommended daily potassium intake
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30% of recommended daily copper intake
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32% of recommended daily manganese intake
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Jackfruit seeds are known to be particularly nutritious.
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All that nutrition provides the human body with the following benefits:
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Boosts the immune system, having antioxidants that help combat free radicals and good levels of vitamin C to boost immunity against cold and flu.[1]
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The high dietary fiber content boosts digestion and helps to prevent constipation.[2]
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The fruit contains phytonutrients like isoflavone and lignans.
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Has a lower glycemic load than wheat or rice but is still able to boost energy levels significantly without affecting blood sugar levels.[3] This energy boost is derived from vitamin B and vitamin B6
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The potassium contained within the fruit will help to protect coronary health by regulating blood pressure, and helping to reduce the risk of stroke or heart disease. Potassium is known to counter the effects of sodium and reduce tension in the walls of blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure [1]
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Good for eyesight as it contains a mix of vitamin A, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein which all help to maintain vision.
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High calcium levels help to promote bone health.[2]
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Besides the health and nutritional benefits, the delicious fruit has some benefits that make it part of the solution for an economically sustainable future.
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As one jackfruit tree can produce up to 200 pieces of fruit each year it compares more than favourably to meat as a source of food. Jackfruit is readily available in many parts of the developing world and increasing its consumption could help to solve potential future food shortages.
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Using Jackfruit in your daily menu
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This versatile fruit is often featured in vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes. Your typical jackfruit recipe will often liken the finished product to pulled or shredded pork in texture and many recipes claim that a meat eater will not notice any difference from many meat meals.
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Popular menu options include taco, bbq, salad and curry options. It also has been known to make a great addition to a natural smoothie.
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Here are two popular jackfruit recipes.
