If you’ve ever travelled around Asia, you’ll have regularly seen jackfruit for sale on bicycle carts and in market stalls.
A native tree of India, the cooked, unripe flesh of this large, bumpy skinned fruit has now become wildly popular worldwide. The ‘meat like’ stringy texture of the flesh soaks up whatever flavours it is paired with and can be found as a plant-based alternative used in dishes ranging from curries to burgers.
Why eat jackfruit?
Jackfruit is an incredibly nutrient dense and versatile food where even the seeds are edible and super tasty. It has been shown to…
Improve digestion: Jackfruit is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre which can help prevent constipation and support healthy bowel movements.
Boost immunity and prevent signs of ageing: Being a healthy source of vitamin C ,as well as, antioxidants, flavonoids and phytonutrients, jackfruit helps the body to fight sources of free radicals which can contribute to premature ageing and degeneration.
Enhance vision: Rich in beta carotene (vitamin A), which assists in supporting healthy eye function as it protects the eyes from bacteria and viruses as well as harmful ultra-violet rays.
Support healthy thyroid function: Healthy functioning of the thyroid gland is dependent on a balance of copper, potassium and magnesium. Jackfruit contains essential copper that can help support hormone regulation and a healthy and fit thyroid.
Get creative with jackfruit…
With everything from pulled jackfruit (a clever take on pulled pork) to jackfruit tacos, the versatility of this humble fruit is what’s made it such a popular meat substitute. Why not try it in any of the following…
- Slow cooker jackfruit stew (swap lamb for jackfruit)
- Pulled jackfruit burger or sandwich
- Pulled jackfruit pizza with cashew cream
- Jackfruit chilli (swap mince for jackfruit)
- Jackfruit spring rolls or rice paper rolls (swap chicken or prawn for jackfruit)
- Nachos with jackfruit
- Jackfruit, chickpea and coconut stir-fry
- or try our jackfruit salad with honey bbq dressing
From a sustainability perspective, jackfruit is incredibly drought and pest resistant and able to withstand incredibly high temperatures whilst continuing to flourish. With this in mind, and combined with its nutritional benefits, it’s well worth trying out this exciting and incredibly versatile fruit.
Keen to try jackfruit? Check out our Upton’s Natural Range of ready to eat jackfruit.
written by Emma H for go natural foods
