Jackfruit, properties and benefits of the fruit of vegans

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit with a very exotic appearance. In addition, it brings us many benefits to our health. Find out which ones.

What is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit, properties and benefits of the fruit for vegans

The Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is called Jaca, Nancy, ninja, panapén, jack or Jackfruit.

The skin of these fruits has a rough green or brown appearance. Inside, it has a yellow or orange pulp in segments. Each of its components contains a seed that we will talk about later.

It is sweet with a touch of acidity. Its flavor may be reminiscent of other fruits such as mango, banana, apple, custard, or orange.

It is about the size of a watermelon. That is, it is a large fruit. It is considered one of the enormous fruits. It may weigh more than 20 kg, although it is customary to weigh more than 10 kg.

It is from the Soursop family with a similar appearance but is distinguished by size and pulp.

The seeds of the Jackfruit or Jackfruit are also edible and have a total nutritional value, highlighting carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Origin of the Jackfruit

The Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical fruit of Asian origin from the southern regions of India, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

It is the national fruit of Bangladesh.

Jackfruit cultivation

It is grown in regions of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, and Vietnam. In addition to the Caribbean and Central American countries. In Mexico, it is increasingly common to see plantations of these fruit trees.

The jackfruit tree is one of the fruit trees belonging to the Moraceae family and needs a warm climate to grow. These fruit trees take up to seven years to bear fruit, which can reach up to 200 fruits per year per tree. In addition, it does not require reseeding; it is resistant and needs little care.

The jackfruit fruit tree is produced in large quantities in southern regions of India. An area that you must visit if you want to see large crops of these curious fruit trees.

Jackfruit season

The fruit trees of the Jackfruit, Jackfruit or Jackfruit, have two agricultural cycles: autumn-winter and spring-summer. Of course, in agricultural areas with products, such as regions of Asia, the Caribbean, or Central America, such as Mexico.

How to buy Jackfruit?

We can find these types of fruits in trusted supermarkets or greengrocers. Although it is difficult to see this fruit in certain countries, the online sale of fruits makes it easier and easier to qualify for this kind of fruit.

It can also be purchased packaged in cans, a recommended option to buy a smaller portion of this ingredient, ideal to use in your recipes. As a result, we will have this food well preserved, although eating raw and seasonal fruit is much more advisable.

Conservation

Ideally, keep the Jackfruit in the fridge. It is true that, sometimes, it does not fit us due to its large size. Consequently, we must store it in containers once it has been cut into segments to eat raw or in recipe preparations.

We can also leave it outside the fridge, in a cool place without direct light. It will ripen faster, but it is not a problem if we consume it soon.

We can also keep it in the freezer if we need to keep it longer. To defrost it, put it in the fridge and allow the time necessary to defrost.

How do you eat Jackfruit?

How do you eat jackfruit

It is a food that is not widely exported. In the countries where it is grown, it is traditionally consumed in recipes for purees, soups, jams, and even ice cream.

We can consume it between meals or as a dessert for our main meals. We can also use this food as an ingredient in different recipes. We can highlight recipes such as stir-fries, stews, Jackfruit, or jackfruit tacos. They are very healthy recipes and delicious option that does not have animal meat. It is a food that you should include in your diet if you are on a vegan diet or vegetarian.

When it comes to eating curd, it is ideal that it is more mature since it tastes sweeter and palatable. Its color darkens when it is more mature, staining its pulp brown.

However, if the pulp is less ripe, we can use it for cooking, as it is more watery with a more neutral flavor. In this case, we have to spice it up nicely by adding other ingredients to the recipe.

The seeds can be roasted like chestnuts, boiled, or ground into flour. This fruit substitutes for a meat-based diet, which vegetarians or vegans appreciate.

What does Jackfruit taste like?

This particular food is sweet and also somewhat acidic. When we eat it, it gives us the sensation of eating several fruits simultaneously, thanks to its characteristic flavor.

It is known as the all-fruit-flavoured fruit. Savoring reminds us of bananas, mango, peach, peach, pineapple, orange, or kiwi.

Properties of Jackfruit

These fruits are among the fashionable foods of recent years. They are highly valued among vegetarians or vegans for their high protein content, approximately 10%.

As a consequence, it can be a vegetable alternative to meat. Consequently, it is highly appreciated by the collective that does not want to eat meat.

In addition, Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is very rich in fiber. Its sugar levels are low, although if there are diabetes problems, it should be consumed under the supervision of a nutritionist.

It is an essential source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, highlighting iron and calcium. It also highlights the concentration of antioxidants.

Preclinical studies published in Food Research International have shown that Jackfruit has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antifungal, antineoplastic, hypoglycemic, and healing effects.

Likewise, it also provides us with carotenes to our diet that causes the levels of vitamin A in our body not to drop.

Average nutritional value per 100 grams of Jackfruit

Benefits of Jackfruit

Thanks to the nutritional properties that Jackfruit gives us, the WHO recommends its consumption. Of course, it is a food that you must include in your diet if you want to do without meat.

Among the benefits it brings us, we can highlight the following potential benefits:

Antioxidant

Jackfruits are rich in antioxidants that help us neutralize free radicals.

Healthy cardiovascular system

Thanks to the phytosterols, polyphenols, and fiber it provides, it can be beneficial in reducing high blood cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

Healthy eyesight

It provides us with vitamin A, a perfect nutrient that promotes good eye tissue health.

Increase our defences

Thanks to its contribution of vitamin C and other antioxidants, it is a food that favors the increase of natural defenses against diseases in our body.

It is perfect against colds thanks to its contribution to vitamins.

Intestinal regulator

It is a food that provides a large amount of fiber in our diet, which is why it naturally favors intestinal transit.

For healthy bones

It is a fruit rich in calcium and magnesium, essential nutrients you must take to maintain healthy bones.

Conclusions

We are facing a tropical fruit that can be very curious for some unfamiliar. It is also a breath that is commonly consumed by vegetarians around the world.

Jackfruit, a tropical fruit from Asia, offers various health benefits, making it a favorite among those on plant-based diets. This large fruit, which can weigh over 20 kg, is a substitute for animal products and a rich source of nutrients. Its seeds contain vital acids, carbohydrates, and proteins. The consumption of ripe jackfruit provides sweetness, while unripe jackfruit, with a more neutral flavor, is commonly used as a meat substitute in dishes, reflecting its versatility in plant-based foods.

Jackfruit has potential cancer-fighting properties due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic attributes. Additionally, it aids heart health, helps maintain blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of chronic disease. Its high fiber content benefits digestion; unlike dairy products, it’s an excellent plant-based source of calcium and magnesium, promoting bone health. Given its weight in health benefits and as an alternative to animal food and dairy products, fresh jackfruits have become essential in promoting overall wellness and addressing concerns like high blood pressure.

Jackfruit is a food you should include in your diet in a delicious recipe and raw form for its nutritional contribution and versatility in the kitchen.

Facts:

1. Cultural Significance: Jackfruit has religious and cultural significance in many parts of Southeast Asia. In some regions, it is considered the “King of Fruits,” similar to how durian is referred to in other regions.
2. Environmental Impact: Jackfruit trees have a positive impact on the environment. Their large, dense canopy provides shade and can prevent soil erosion. This makes them beneficial in agroforestry systems.
3. Versatility in Cooking: Beyond being used as a meat substitute, young jackfruit can be pickled, while the ripe fruit can be used in desserts, made into jackfruit chips, or fermented to create alcoholic beverages in some countries.
4. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, parts of the jackfruit tree, including its roots, leaves, and fruit, have been used to address issues like asthma, fever, and skin problems.

Reference:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/mg370
https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/jackfruit_ars.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24498810/