Remember when kale was all the rage? It was introduced to the world as this superfood that everyone had to try and we did. While the “kale kraze” has died down there is a new nutrient powerhouse, and it’s called jackfruit. If you don’t know, jackfruit has been popping up on menus lately as a great alternative to meat-based recipes. This exotic fruit that grows in South Asia from a jackfruit tree is nutrient-dense and tastes great too!
So what's all the craze with jackfruit? While large in size, this fruit is beneficial due to its nutritional value. Jackfruit is a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Additional benefits of jackfruit include digestive support, enhanced immunity, osteoporosis prevention, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Now let’s dive a little deeper into how jackfruit is great for our well-being.
Digestive Support
The high fiber content of jackfruit helps improve digestion by keeping the digestive tract flowing. When the body gets enough fiber it has soft and regular bowel movements and aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
Immune Support and Cancer-Fighting Properties
The vitamin A and C, and antioxidant properties may help in boosting the immune system protecting it from illness and potentially fighting cancer.
Bone Health
The potassium and calcium in jackfruit may help improve bone health and assist in the prevention of osteoporosis.
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Where to Buy Jackfruit
While jackfruit comes frozen and canned, it is best to get it fresh so you can enjoy the full benefits of the nutrients and flavors the fruit provides. Locally, you can usually find fresh jackfruit at most international Asian markets. Canned jackfruit can be found at your local Trader Joe’s.
If for any reason you have no luck finding jackfruit locally, you can always order from a company that offers exotic fruit subscription boxes like VGNAF, a black-owned exotic fruit subscription-based company that offers a variety of exotic fruits started by Rachel and Robin Veronica (known as the Veronica twins).
You can also do a simple Google search that will lead you to other places that sell jackfruit in the form of snacks and/or meat-based products.
How to Eat Jackfruit
Jackfruit can be eaten cooked or raw. The most popular dish with jackfruit is the “un-pulled” pork sandwich, a delicious take on the pulled pork sandwich without the pork. If prepared right, you wouldn’t know there wasn’t pork between those buns.
When eaten raw, jackfruit has a refreshingly subtle sweet flavor. Anxious to taste jackfruit? Try this sweet and savory jackfruit veggie fajita wrap from the upcoming book EAT J.U.N.K.
Ingredients
- 1 small slice of fresh jackfruit, chopped or sliced (from local market)
- ¼ sliced colorful peppers (red, orange, yellow)
- ½ red onion
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Tortilla shell
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa
- Liquid fajita seasoning
- Onion and garlic salt
Directions
Make 1 cup of cooked quinoa according to the package. You will only use a few spoons for this recipe so it’s best if you have leftover quinoa from a previous meal or the remaining quinoa can be used for another dish.
Warm a skillet on medium heat. Once heated add tablespoon of olive oil followed by onions and peppers. Cook for 4 minutes stirring occasionally. Next, add in jackfruit and cook for another 2 minutes, continuing to stir and mix well. Add in a dash of the seasonings followed by ½ of the liquid fajita mix. Stir well and bring to a simmer for 8 minutes, still stirring occasionally.
Add veggie mix to your tortilla followed by the quinoa, roll the tortilla tightly and enjoy with your favorite salsa.
Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.
