What is Jackfruit?
Whole Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a fruit with a consistency very similar to chicken or pork that works very well in vegetarian dishes.
Jackfruit is a species of figs, in the breadfruit mulberry family that grows jackfruit grows in tropical areas.
Young Jackfruit has a very mild taste and holds the taste of other things extremely well which makes it perfect for Jerk, Barbeque, or whatever sauce or seasoning you enjoy. Its stringy texture is what makes it works especially well for vegetarian dishes.
My first introduction to jackfruit.
My first introduction to jackfruit was a couple of years back when the family and I went to a family reunion in St. Croix. We went to visit an elder aunt for lunch. She had a beautiful lunch spread on her back yard picnic table. I could tell she put a ton of work into the setup but, I felt terrible about having to break the news to her about my family and I not eating pork. After working up the nerve, I broke the news to her. “Auntie, the children and I don’t eat pork.” My auntie laughed. She said, “Bwoy because you live in New York you tink me not know ya.” “This no pork, this Jackfruit.” This what!? “This Jackfruit sit down and eat.”
Jackfruit background information
Jackfruit traveled from Asia to markets in Europe around the 1700s, then made its way west after a French ship bound for Martinique was captured in 1782. Most of the Jackfruit you’ll find in the North American markets come from the Caribbean and occasionally Florida. Jackfruit falls in the Artocarpus family, a group that also includes the mulberry, breadfruit, and fig. Jackfruit takes well to savory preparations, so well that when it’s unripe, it’s used in savory dishes like you’d use meat some say it’s a better meat substitute than tofu.
Nutrition Information:
- Jackfruit contains
- Vitamin A,
- Vitamin C,
- Thiamin,
- Riboflavin,
- Calcium,
- Potassium,
- Phosphorus,
- Iron, sodium,
- Zinc
- Niacin
The Benefits of Jackfruit are:
1. Improves Immunity
2. Replenishes Energy
3. Ensures better cardiovascular health and a regulated Blood Pressure
4. Improves Digestion
5. Prevents Cancer
6. Enhances Vision
7. Prevents Ageing
8. Strengthens Bones
9. Improves Blood Quality
10. Prevents/Controls Asthma
11. Ensures a High Functioning Thyroid
12. Treats skin diseases, Fever
How to prepare and cook jackfruit pulled pork – Vegetarian Recipe
Vegan BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup organic ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Vegan Worcestershire
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (Optional)
- 1/3 cup water
Pulled Jackfruit, vegetarian pulled pork substitute.
- 1 tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 14 oz cans young green, jackfruit in brine (NOT syrup)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (recipe above)
- 1 cup of water
- 1-2 tablespoons chili paste
- salt + pepper to taste
- 8 gluten-free burger/sandwich buns
Instructions
1. Drain and rinse the Jackfruit
.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet. When the oil is hot add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft.
3. Add the rinsed jackfruit, BBQ sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir well and cover leaving to cook on medium-low heat for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment and set aside.
5. Use a potato masher or spatula to mash and pull apart the jackfruit so that it resembles pulled pork. Taste and season with chili paste (if using) and salt and pepper.
6. To finish, spread the pulled jackfruit across the lined baking sheet in an even layer and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
7. Stir in additional BBQ sauce if desired. Add to your burger buns and serve.
