The jackfruit, otherwise known as the jack tree, is a kind of tree that belongs to the family of mulberry, fig, and breadfruit. The jack tree grows best in the lowlands of the tropical regions. It yields the biggest fruit of any tree. A mature jack tree bears roughly 200 fruits annually, with older trees producing up to 500 fruits every year. It is commonly used in the cuisines of South and Southeast Asia delicacies. Jackfruit is both Sri Lanka’s and Bangladesh’s primary fruit, and also the regional fruit of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in India. It is available in dried or frozen form, as well as cold meals, across the world, as are other items produced from the fruit, such as noodles and chips. When young, it has a somewhat neutral taste that absorbs the flavor of whatever seasoning or spices one mixes it with. It has a stringy texture that pairs well with spicy barbecue sauce.
More about Jackfruit
Though jackfruit was first cultivated in the Indian rain forests, farmers now grow it in different parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, Brazil, Thailand, and the Philippines. It has started to become famous in the USA only in recent years. The crust is spikey and green or yellow. The edible part inside smells and tastes like a blend between bananas and pineapple. It is classified into two categories. One of them is thin, spongy, and slimy with a sweet flavor. The other kind of jackfruit has crispy, chewy flesh that is less sweet.
Jackfruit nutrition
Unlike animal protein, jackfruit has no cholesterol or saturated fat, is low in sodium, and provides just 20 calories per 2.65-ounce portion. Furthermore, it contains 3 grams of fiber and 110 milligrams of potassium per meal, which are all healthy nutrients for the heart.
Many vitamins and minerals are higher in jackfruit than in other fruits. It’s a rich source of Vitamin B and Vitamin C. Besides, it includes riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, and 
calcium.
Antioxidants: Carotenoids, the pigments that offer jackfruit its yellow appearance are rich in Vitamin A. Carotenoids being an antioxidant safeguard cells from injury and helps the body function properly. They can aid in the prevention of ailments such as heart diseases, cancer, and eye problems like cataracts.
How to eat jackfruit
Jackfruit is a popular fruit that can be eaten raw or roasted based on its ripening stages. Unripe fruit tastes well in savory dishes, while ripe fruit’s flavor is ideal for desserts. To cook it, cut it in half and scrape out the yellow pods and kernels from the skin and center. It can be performed with either the palms or a knife. It is worth remembering that the white, starchy portion of the inside is highly messy, so it might be appropriate to wear gloves when handling it.
Because of its flavor, vegans and vegetarians also use it as a meal replacement. Preparing the fruit and then mixing it with vegetables, spices, and flavorings, for instance, can be used as a meat substitute in jackfruit tacos. One may also add jackfruit into soups or curries. The ripened fruit is also delicious when mixed with curd or oatmeal. Jackfruit seeds are also eaten. They can be grilled or boiled before being seasoned. One can also prepare hummus with the seeds.
Jackfruit recipes
Jackfruit Sandwiches with Pineapple Dipping sauce made in Slow Cooker: BBQ jackfruit, soaked in a homemade sauce and slow-cooked until crispy, is the perfect vegan dish that will attract even the most dedicated meat eater.
BBQ Jackfruit Filled Sweet Potatoes: Fill the roast potatoes with this jackfruit mixture and prepare them in a slow cooker to turn them up to another level.
Sushi Bowl made from Teriyaki Jackfruit: Because of the easy-to-prepare teriyaki-flavored jackfruit, the sushi dish is particularly fulfilling and tasty.
Jackfruit Burger: This is great for those who wish to skip meat but can’t survive without a burger. Jackfruit is an excellent substitute for non-vegetarian burgers. It can be prepared by mixing minced jackfruit, flavored with red chili and turmeric, seasoned with garlic, and added to soft baked bread.
Thai Red Curry with Jackfruit and Water Chestnuts: A Thai red curry can be prepared jaggery and coconut milk, diced water chestnut, boiled jackfruit, and Thai curry sauce seasoned with heavy lemongrass and galangal. It can be eaten with Goan red rice to make a complete meal.
Jackfruit chips: Jackfruit chips are incredibly nutritious and helpful to one’s wellbeing. They have an abundance of fiber, which supports digestion. These are rich in fiber and can help one lose weight easily. Furthermore, nutritious cooking methods such as baking or roasting make them an ideal option for weight loss.
Ingredients:
- Raw jack fruit.
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Water
- Vegetable oil
Instruction:
- If using fresh jackfruit, grease the knife and hands before carving, as the fruit contains slippery latex.
- Slice the fruit in two and scrape the middle core.
- Detach the flesh buds and split the fruit into thin, lengthy slices.
- Mix turmeric powder, salt, and water.
- Fry the jackfruit slices in hot oil till golden brown and season with the spice mixture.
Jackfruit Tree
Growing jackfruit trees, which are similar to breadfruit and belong to the family of Moraceae, can reach a height of 80 feet and have a straight trunk that branches out of the base. This bizarre oddity has a dense, waxy rind, small sharp spikes, with up to 500 kernels. The typical jackfruit weighs about 35 pounds. Except for the rind and middle, the whole fruit is consumable, and the fragrance is extraordinary. The fruits of jackfruit trees have been identified as scented either like banana, grapefruit, or cheese. The jackfruit tree develops opalescent, slippery latex from all areas of its body, and has a long taproot. Flowers appear on short branches spreading from the base and aging branches of growing jackfruit trees.
Benefits of Jackfruit
Boosts Immunity: It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps to improve the immune system and make it more effective when battling a disease.
Gives instant energy: Energy is replenished by a 100g portion of jackfruit, which 
absorbs 94 Kcal and is high in carbohydrates. When eaten, it immediately delivers a boost of energy.
Ensures improved cardiovascular wellbeing and blood pressure control: An adequate concentration of potassium provides a holistic balance of sodium in our bodies, which if unchecked will pose a threat to the heart and the arteries. Potassium both regulates and retains muscle activity, such as the heart muscles, and is thus necessary for a fully functioning system. Jackfruit is rich in potassium, which benefits the cardiovascular system.
Prevents cancer: Antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytonutrients abound in it. The existence of these antioxidants destroys contaminants created by the body and also free radicals that are toxic to us and have been linked to cancer.
Slows the aging process: Free radicals are the cause of aging. These are generated in our bodies as we are subjected to high levels of oxidative stressors of pollutants. Antioxidant-rich kills free radicals, delaying the aging process.
