Everything You Need to Know About Jackfruit (Plus Recipes!)
Kale, avocado, quinoa...these health foods have all gained a cult following. Jackfruit is the newest addition to this group. Jackfruit is already popular in tropical regions and is now making its way to the United States in a big way.
Grown from a jackfruit tree, this large fruit has flesh that, when prepared correctly, has the same consistency as certain meats. This quality makes jackfruit especially popular in the vegetarian community, as it allows vegetarians to eat meat-lovers' favorites like faux pulled pork, chicken, and ribs.
Come dessert time, however, it's easy to transform the fruit (available in canned form if you're afraid to tackle the sometimes 25-pound monsters!) into sweet ice cream or pie filling.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, here are some recipes to inspire you to give this trendy superfood a try.
1. Jackfruit Carnitas
Clean Green Simple
Think outside the BBQ bun with these jackfruit carnitas. Traditionally made with pork, this Mexican dish is the best way to bring big flavor to your fiesta. Substitute jackfruit for pork, and no one will be able to tell the difference. Top your carnitas with all the fresh salsa and cilantro you like.
Get the recipe from Clean Green Simple
2. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
If we're being honest, pulled pork sandwiches are the reason we'd never be able to go vegetarian. We always crave this messy but oh-so-good dinner. That's why you can believe us when we say jackfruit is an acceptable substitute.
3. Buffalo Jackfruit Spinach Dip
Vegan Yack Attack
It's not game day until someone serves the buffalo chicken dip. This weekend, sneak your hungry snackers a healthy option with this tasty buffalo jackfruit spinach dip. Along with carrots, celery, and cucumbers, this dip is a guilt-free snack the kids will love, too.
Get the recipe from Vegan Yack Attack
4. Vegan Nachos
Dora Daily
Nachos will probably never be truly healthy, but every small step is worth a try. Make your mountain of tortillas, cheese, and beans slightly less guilt-inducing by switching out the meat for BBQ jackfruit. Smothered in queso and salsa, you'll never know the difference.
Get the recipe from Dora Daily
5. Jackfruit and Mushroom Gyro
I Love Vegan
Even Greek food is getting into the jackfruit trend. Wrapped in a warm pita and doused in tzatziki sauce, this healthy alternative tastes like the real thing. Finally, a vegan recipe for gyros!
Get the recipe from I Love Vegan
6. Jackfruit Ice Cream
Yes, you can use this trendy fruit as more than a meat substitute! Try it as the sweet swirl in this tropical ice cream recipe that's irresistible once it's sprinkled with shredded coconut.
7. Grilled BBQ Jackfruit Pizza
Blissful Basil
Did someone say pizza? We will sink our teeth into just about any slice, but BBQ pizza has to be one of our favorites. For our vegan friends out there, we always make this jackfruit substitute recipe with hemp seed cheddar. Tasty and healthy? We couldn't ask for anything better.
Get the recipe from Blissful Basil
8. Banana Empanadas
Kitchen Confidante
Banana and jackfruit are a popular Filipino flavor combo. Try the two tropical fruits together in these empanadas, and you'll know why! The sweet pairing takes center stage (with just a touch of brown sugar) in the filling of these baked hand pies.