Jackfruit has been gaining in popularity since 2014 as a meat alternative for plant-based eaters.
Registered Dietitian, Felicia Spence notes it is Pinterest’s top trending foods and Epicurious has dubbed the fruit the “latest miracle food”. Why all the hype? “It is versatile, it tastes good, and it’s packed with nutrition,” says Felicia. Per cup of jackfruit, you get more than 21% of your daily value of potassium, Vitamin C, and B-6 vitamin. Felicia adds, “The plant also provides protein, a good source of fiber and because it is plant based, it has 0g cholesterol and is very low in saturated fat.” It may as well be the miracle food of 2017!
Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit and can grow to 35-100 pounds. It grows on trees in tropical climates and takes years to cultivate and bring to the market. It can be found canned and fresh in the United States. “Jackfruit is popular amongst the plant eaters because it mimics pulled pork visually and in texture.” In traditional Indian cuisines, it is used in curries and stews. It has a neutral flavor and can take on the flavors of the cook’s choice. It has skyrocketed on Google search trends over the last few years and it does not seem to be slowing down. There are recipes that you can easily find online or, even better, H3 has a great BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich. Who knew, fruit for meat!
Executive Chef Karla Williams, shows us a great recipe to incorporate Jackfruit as an exciting and tasty meat substitute! Check it out:
INGREDIENTS:
2 (14 ounce cans) Jackfruit, young, in water
½ each Onions, chunked or sliced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
1 teaspoon Cumin
¼ teaspoon Cayenne
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 cup Vegetable stock or water
1 cup BBQ Sauce
½ cup Kidney Beans
1 ounce Bourbon
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
STEPS:
NUTRITION:
Servings: 8 | Serving Size: 4 ounces | Calories: 100 | Fiber 4 grams | Fat: 3 grams | Carbohydrates: 16 grams | Protein: 3 grams | Sodium: 490 milligrams