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Jackfruit: A Tasty and Textured Vegan Meat Substitute

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Discover what jackfruit or jackfruit is and how to prepare it. This exotic fruit is a source of nutrients and can replace vegan meat. Learn more here!

A fruit that tastes like pulled pork?

While the concept looks like it was cooked in a lab, the fruit exists and is made by Mother Nature herself. Here, we have all the details about what is jackfruit or jacay and the best ways to prepare it.

What is jackfruit?

Jackfruit (or yakfruit) comes from the jackfruit tree, a cousin of the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family that grows in Southeast Asia. The jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh, and it resembles an elongated elongated melon or a large mango. The word "jackfruit" comes from the Portuguese word "jackfruit," which XNUMXth-century explorers derived from their pronunciation of the Malay name for the fruit, chakka. Today, while still grown exclusively in Southeast Asia, jackfruit is enjoyed around the world, on its own and in raw or cooked recipes.

Some people confuse jackfruit with the Durian fruit, which looks similar, but there is a big difference. Durian has a strong odor that may not be pleasant for everyone; jackfruit smells sweet, fruity. Durian fruits are also much smaller than jackfruit; and the exterior of a durian may have spiky "thorns," while a jackfruit has smooth bumps on its surface.

Today the Jaca is grown in Mexico in the states of Colima and Jalisco, and more and more you can find it in local markets; and is used not only as vegan substitute of the meat in the dishes, but juices or tepache are made from its peel to which vasodilator properties are attributed that help from a simple headache, to erection problems.

What does jackfruit taste like?

Before trying a bite, it helps to know what to expect. This is not exactly an apple! You can get used to the rubbery texture of the fruit flesh. The texture of jackfruit is no different than that of a banana, mango, or pineapple in terms of being dense and fibrous. But the taste is quite distinctive. Some say it is sweet, and others say that a jackfruit tastes similar to pulled pork, especially when cooked. The seeds of a jackfruit are edible, and some compare their milky and rubbery taste to that of a Brazil nut. The inner flesh of a jackfruit has a yellow color similar to mango, and the jackfruit can be sold sliced, canned, or in sugary syrup.

Jackfruit benefits

Not only can eating jackfruit provide an exotic treat for your taste buds, but jackfruit packs a powerful nutritional punch. In addition to containing the typical mix of vitamins and minerals you'll find in most fruits, jackfruit is a great source of magnesium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants. Because it has a meaty texture when cooked, it is a good substitute for certain meat-based recipes, although it is important to note that jackfruit does not have a particularly high protein content, so it may still be need a protein source if you plan a main dish anchored around a jackfruit recipe.

On the other hand, Jackfruit is rich in fiber, which can aid digestion, and contains calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis. When eaten regularly as part of a varied diet, the vitamins and minerals in jackfruit can help improve immunity, can contain antioxidants that can help fight cancer, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help in prevention from osteoporosis and improve digestion. It can also be a low carb vegan meat substitute for sweet or savory dishes.

How to eat jackfruit

As you like! Many people eat it raw, and some people like to cook jackfruit and use it as a garnish, in sauces, or as part of a salad. Jackfruit can also be a healthy and filling snack thanks to its fiber content.

Did you read our vegan Jaca burger recipe? Try it here!

Jackfruit releases a very sticky sap, which is why experts recommend oiling your knife and work surface before slicing a jackfruit. Slice a jackfruit as you would a pineapple; opening it and opening the interior. It is best to remove jackfruit meat from the shell with your hands or a greased spoon; It should be easily separated when pulled. Raw jackfruit can be thrown into smoothies, mixed with yogurt or add as a sweet to ice cream.

Cooked jackfruit can be made into burgers, added to tacos or salads, or it can even be made into a pork dish, and can be eaten on its own or on sandwiches. Consider using jackfruit in a similar way that you would use chicken to come up with some recipe ideas that may work for you and your family. But remember, because it is low in protein, adding a protein source, such as beans, is helpful in making a jackfruit meal a complete and balanced meal. For example, jackfruit tacos, with cooked jackfruit and black beans, can be a delicious meatless meal, and jackfruit can be added to many. vegetarian recipes.

Jackfruit roast is particularly popular; To make jackfruit as pulled pork, use canned jackfruit (in water or brine, not syrup) or slightly immature fresh jackfruit, and chop or pull to a shredded consistency. Marinate in your favorite barbecue sauce for at least an hour, then sauté on the stovetop for about thirty minutes, stirring frequently before serving as if it were “regular” pulled pork, either on a bun or on its own.

Frequently asked questions from our readers:

A good vegan alternative to meat with a lot of flavor and texture is jacá, a vegan substitute that resembles meat in taste and texture, but is made from plant-based ingredients. Read more here: https://www.equilibriumx.com/que-es/jaca-un-substituto-vegano-a-la-carne-con-mucho-sabor-y-textura
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Last modified: March 22, 2024