What is the world is a Jackfruit?

We recently discovered jackfruit at our Sarasota Farmers Market and were quite amazed at the wonderful taste of it.
Jackfruit a native to Southwest India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asian countries is known as the “miracle” crop because of its many health benefits and rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, electrolytes, and high fiber. It is gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, low in calorie, and zero cholesterol.
The taste is a combination of hearts of palm, kimchi, and pineapple. It is a healthy vegan meat substitute and has a texture of pulled pork. The fruit is ripe when the spiky skin is soft. It is used in such vegan dishes as BBQ pulled “pork,” jackfruit tacos and quesadillas, and Philly cheese steaks.
You can buy the whole fruit and prepare for yourself, or buy packaged/canned jackfruit in water or natural juices. Fresh jackfruit is available at our Sarasota Farmers Market! Stores such as Asian markets, Whole Foods, and Trader Joes carry packaged/canned jackfruit.
Not sure of trying it because of its ugly appearance, try a Jackfruit Dream Smoothie.

Jackfruit Dream Smoothie
2 – 8 oz. servings
Ingredients:
1 cup of ripe jackfruit, roughly chopped
1 cup of banana, roughly chopped
1 ½ cup milk or your milk alternative of choice
2 tablespoons avocado

Method:
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Recipe from: www.thejackfruitcompany.com
Join Key Culinary Tours for our next Chef Led Farmers Market Tour and cooking demonstration. You might even get to sample fresh jackfruit! Yum!
www.keyculinarytours.com