We all know how nutritious and healthy fruits are.
They come in many varieties and can be prepared in various ways. What you may not know yet, however, is that there is also a delicious fruit that many claim to taste just like pork.
Jackfruit is native to Southeast and South Asia. This thorny fruit is also known as a ‘miracle crop’ because it could potentially save people from hunger. The fruit releases a rotting smell but is nevertheless a great source of protein, minerals, iron, and Vitamin C.
Each jackfruit tree can come up with more than 150 fruits in a year. The fruits are collected during the two harvesting seasons and can weigh up to 100 pounds each.
The leaves of the tree are also useful. They represent an excellent source of food for farm animals such as goats.
Researchers can’t stop admiring and further investigating this fruit. According to many, it could be a cure for starvation due to its nutrient-dense properties. “it’s a miracle. It can provide so many nutrients and calories – everything. If you just eat 10 or 12 bulbs of this fruit, you don’t need food for another half a day,” a biotechnology researcher, Shyamala Reddy, explained.
Another biologist from Chicago Botanic Garden, Nyree Zerega, added that “in Bangladesh, where jackfruit is the national fruit, it is often considered the second-most important crop after mangos.” She also explained that “if you have space to grow something, you almost always have a jackfruit tree — due to both its valuable fruits and timber.”
This miracle fruit can be consumed raw when ripe or still unripe. Another good thing about it is that it can be prepared in many ways. It can form standalone dishes or become an indispensable part of another meal.
Get your own jackfruit and make it into chips, baking flour, ice cream, or mix it in your favorite curry.
As the fruit can’t stay fresh for more than a few weeks, it is often preserved by drying or storing in cans. Despite its center of popularity in Asia, jackfruit is finally making its way to the western market. It is a common solution for vegans and vegetarians to substitute meat and is yet to reach the hearts of those who fail to recognize its value.
Have you ever tried jackfruit before? What’s your favorite method of preparing this miracle fruit? Let us know how you like its taste and don’t forget to raise awareness about this superfood by sharing this post!