Forktionary
Fruit | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Jackfruit

Artocarpus heterophyllus Allergen-Free
Jackfruit

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Moraceae
  • Primary Cuisine Southeast Asian, South Asian
  • Seasonality Summer, Early Autumn
  • Source Jackfruit tree

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A large tropical fruit, native to South and Southeast Asia, notable for its spiky green exterior and distinct flavor/texture depending on ripeness.

Sensory Profile

TasteUnripe: Neutral, mildly starchy, slightly sweet. Ripe: Sweet, fruity (banana, pineapple, mango notes).
TextureUnripe: Fibrous, meaty, stringy (cooked). Ripe: Soft, fleshy, custard-like.
AromaUnripe: Mild, earthy. Ripe: Intensely fruity, tropical, sometimes pungent.
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 165 g (1 cup chopped)
Calories95 kcal
Total Fat0.6 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.7 g
Total Carbohydrate23.3 g
Dietary Fiber1.5 g
Total Sugars19.1 g
Calcium24 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium448 mg

Chef’s Secret

When working with fresh jackfruit, oil your knife and hands to prevent sticking from the latex sap.

Substitutions

Best Match

Pulled Pork (for savory applications)

1:1

Best for texture match in savory dishes like "pulled jackfruit" tacos or sandwiches.

Artichoke Hearts (for texture)

1:1 (cooked)

Good for a similar slightly fibrous, neutral base in some savory dishes.

Pineapple (for ripe fruit flavor)

1:1

Provides similar tropical sweetness and juiciness for dessert uses.

Banana Blossom (for savory meat alternative)

1:1

Excellent fibrous, neutral base for vegan fish/meat dishes, requires seasoning.

Buying Guide

For savory dishes, buy young/green jackfruit, often canned in brine. For sweet uses, buy ripe fresh or canned in syrup.

Flavor Pairings

Coconut milk curry spices BBQ sauce rice tacos ice cream sticky rice.