Jackfruit: versatile vegan meat substitute
The jackfruit has become a popular vegan meat substitute in recent years. It is an impressive tropical fruit, with a fibrous structure, mild flavour, and many versatile ways it can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. The fruit has different aromas and textures depending on how ripe it is, which makes it an exciting food to use day to day. Jackfruit plays a key role in vegetarian and vegan cuisine in particular because it is very easy to season and absorbs the aromas of other ingredients. In the Food A-Z, we highlight origin, flavour, preparation, and nutritional values, and show you how to make the most of this exceptional fruit.
Storage time*
| BioFresh Fruit & Vegetable safe just above 0 °C with high humidity | Not recommended |
| EasyFresh safe 7 °C with air regulation plate | Not recommended |
| Fridge compartment 7 °C | not recommended |
| Freezer compartment -18 °C | not recommended |
The key points
- Jackfruit is a popular vegan meat substitute with a fibrous structure.
- When it’s ripe, it tastes sweet; unripe it has a mild, neutral flavour.
- Ideal for curry, goulash, burgers, and sweet desserts.
- Contains fibre, vitamins, and minerals, but not much protein.
- In Europe, it’s usually preserved or available as canned fruit.
What does jackfruit taste like and how does its consistency change?
Jackfruit tastes different depending on how ripe it is: from sweet and fruity to mild and neutral. Its fibrous consistency makes it particularly versatile.
Ripe jackfruit has a sweet,tropical aroma reminiscent of banana,pineapple and mango. It has a soft, creamy texture and is traditionally used to make desserts or sweet snacks in the Asian countries from which it originates.
By contrast, unripe jackfruit has a very mild, almost neutral flavour. It’s precisely this subtle profile that makes it the ideal ingredient to use in savoury dishes because it’s superb at absorbing spices and marinades. In addition, its fibrous structure means that it is an excellent braised meat substitute in dishes like pulled pork alternatives or curries.
The seeds of jackfruit have a nutty flavour, a bit like chestnuts, and can be boiled or roasted. This variety of flavours makes jackfruit a special, versatile food that can be used in many different styles of cuisine.
What’s the right way to prepare jackfruit and what good recipes are there?
How ripe a jackfruit is, is crucial to how to prepare it. In Europe, unripe, young jackfruit is usually provided in brine. Before it’s processed, it should be thoroughly rinsed,dabbed dry and then either cut into pieces or pulled apart roughly for dishes such as pulled jackfruit.
It is then excellent for marinating: spices like smoked paprika,curry,cumin, and soy sauce are ideal. The jackfruit should be fried for around ten minutes in a little oiluntil it’s slightly browned; an important step for bringing out the aroma and for the structure.
By contrast, ripe jackfruit is available as canned fruit and is suitable for use in desserts, smoothies, and fruit salads. The seeds can also be used: when boiled or roasted, they add a nutty hint to dishes. This versatility opens up a number of potential recipes, ranging from vegan curries and oven-baked dishes to fruity desserts.
How can you use jackfruit in vegan goulash?
Jackfruit is ideal for vegan goulash as its fibres mimic the consistency of braised meat.
For jackfruit goulash, the flesh is first drained, picked apart, and strongly seasoned. It goes particularly well with savoury flavours like paprika,garlic,tomato paste and broth.
Braising the jackfruit in the sauce allows it to absorb all the flavours. The fibre in the fruit also provides a pleasant feeling of fullness. Although jackfruit is not a significant source of protein (approx. 1 g per 100 g), it’s still very good for adding texture in vegan dishes.
When it’s combined with potatoes,mushrooms, or seasonal vegetables, it makes a nutritious dish that’s easy to add variety to.
How do you make a great jackfruit burger for a plant-based meat substitute?
Jackfruit is ideal for burgers and other meat alternatives thanks to its fibrous structure.
Jackfruit’s meat-like texture makes it a popular base for vegan burger patties and pulled jackfruit sandwiches.
For burgers, the young jackfruit is typically pulled apart,marinated, and then fried off or roasted in the oven until its surface goes slightly crispy.
The fruit itself has hardly any taste of its own, which is why it’s crucial to add spices and sauces. Smoked salt, BBQ sauce, or chilli will give the burger a hearty, spicy note.
Jackfruit is also a very good substitute for chicken in curries and vegetable stir-fry dishes. It also has nutritional benefits such as fibre,vitamin C, beta-carotene, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. You can combine jackfruit with pulses or tofu to create really filling vegan burgers.
*All specifications given are to be considered as guideline values, and depend in each case on the type of food and on the proper storage without interruption of the cold chain from harvest/production through to the Liebherr appliance. Should food products have information about minimum shelf life, the date on the packaging always applies.
This text has been machine translated from English.