Jackfruit
Jackfruit is the fruit of the tropical tree *Artocarpus heterophyllus*, in the mulberry and fig family (Moraceae).
Jackfruit is the world's largest tree fruit, from the tropical species *Artocarpus heterophyllus*. It is eaten both ripe as a sweet fruit and unripe as a savoury ingredient, including as a plant-based meat substitute.
What it is
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit belonging to the mulberry and fig family (Moraceae). It is native to southern India and the Western Ghats, and is now grown in warm regions globally. The fruit has a spiky exterior and contains edible flesh and seeds.
Why it matters
Jackfruit is versatile: ripe fruit is sweet and eaten fresh, while young green jackfruit is cooked and used as a vegetable or meat substitute due to its shredded texture. It is also a source of fibre and vitamin C, with edible seeds. In Canada, it is widely available fresh, frozen, canned, or refrigerated and used in plant-based cooking.
Key details
The tree is evergreen and tropical. The fruit is the largest of any tree, often weighing over 10 kg. Ripe jackfruit is compared to banana, mango, or pineapple. Unripe, it has a neutral flavour that absorbs seasonings well.
In short
- Jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world.
- It can be eaten ripe as a sweet fruit or unripe as a savoury ingredient.
- Unripe jackfruit is a popular plant-based meat substitute.
- Native to tropical Asia, it is now grown worldwide and imported into Canada.
Jackfruit is commonly sold in Canadian grocery stores in fresh, frozen, canned, and refrigerated forms, and it is often used in Canadian plant-based cooking as a meat substitute.
Quick questions
What is jackfruit?
How to eat jackfruit?
Is jackfruit good for you?
Sources
- Forks Over Knives — https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/what-is-jackfruit/Supports: Ripe jackfruit flavour, unripe texture, and common culinary uses.
- Cleveland Clinic — https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-jackfruit-and-is-it-healthySupports: Scientific name, family, and broad growing regions.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/jackfruitSupports: Native range, botanical identity, uses of ripe and unripe fruit, and edible seeds.
- ScienceDirect Topics — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/jackfruitSupports: Largest edible fruit, origin in the Western Ghats, and use of tender green fruit as a vegetable.
- Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-jackfruitSupports: Largest tree fruit, ripened vs unripe uses, and native distribution.
- Medical News Today — https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324787Supports: Taste description and general nutrition claims.
- World Health Organization — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-dietSupports: General framework for healthful eating, used only to contextualize nutrition claims.