Jackfruit: Giant Tropical Fruit for Sweet & Savory Dishes

Jackfruit is a **massive tropical fruit** native to South and Southeast Asia, weighing up to 40 kg. It has a spiky green exterior and large yellow bulbs inside, surrounding edible seeds.

- **Calories:** ~95 kcal - **Carbs:** ~23 g (natural sugars) - **Fiber:** ~1.5–2 g - **Vitamin C:** ~15 mg - **Other:** small amounts of B6, magnesium, potassium

- **Plant-based meat alternative:** young jackfruit shreds into pulled-meat texture - **Rich in carbs & energy:** good natural fuel - **Vitamin C** supports immunity and collagen - **Seeds** are edible when cooked—contain protein and micronutrients

- **Sticky latex:** oil hands/knife when cutting fresh fruit - High in carbs—portion control for those managing blood sugar - Rare **allergies** (related to birch pollen/latex)

- **Ripe:** eat fresh, add to fruit salads, smoothies, desserts - **Unripe:** cook in curries, stews, tacos as meat substitute - **Seeds:** boil or roast for snack (taste like chestnuts)

Jackfruit is a versatile tropical fruit—sweet and fragrant when ripe, or a neutral, meaty texture when young.