
Jackfruit Myths and Facts: Is It Really the Largest Fruit in the World?
Yes, jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world, and it often weighs about 10 kg. It is also a great plant-based meat substitute, it does not smell bad, and even its seeds can be eaten.
We decided to put Mr Jack in the hot seat for you. He promised to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. People often get him wrong or don’t know how to cook him, so we want to set the record straight. Let’s begin.
1. Is jackfruit the largest fruit in the world?
Yes, it is. Watermelons can grow very big, but they are really a fruiting vegetable. And even if we call them fruit, they still can’t match jackfruit for size.
Jackfruit is the strongman of the fruit world. It weighs about 10 kg on average, and the biggest ones reach 30 kg. It would be hard to find a heavyweight rival.
2. Can jackfruit be used as a meat substitute?
Yes, in the kitchen it can. Once it is cooked and seasoned well, the flesh tastes and feels almost like meat. But its nutritional benefits are a little different.
Jackfruit has less protein than meat. Instead, it gives you lots of vitamins and many other things that are good for your body. You can read more in our article on the health benefits of jackfruit.
3. Is it true that jackfruit smells really bad?
No, and this is the biggest myth about our hero. There is a simple reason people believe it. The real stinker is his look-alike, the durian.
The durian looks a lot like Jack, but it has nothing else in common with him. It is not even from the same plant family. And it surely has no idea how tasty the word Jackies can sound!
4. Does jackfruit taste neutral?
Yes, but not always. Only young, unripe jackfruit tastes neutral. Young jackfruit is the best kind for main dishes. That’s exactly what you’ll find in our cans, and that’s why they are called Mladý Jacky F (Young Jacky).
To keep the taste neutral, just rinse off the lime juice before cooking. The lime juice is a natural preservative.
Fully ripe jackfruit is sweet. You can enjoy it dried as the most delicious sweet chips you have ever tasted.
5. Can you eat jackfruit seeds?
Yes, you can. You won’t find them in our products. But if you ever get a fresh jackfruit, don’t throw the seeds away. You can dry them, roast them, or even grind lots of them into flour. They taste a bit like Brazil nuts.
Want to learn more?
We hope we have answered the most important questions people ask us. If you think of more, feel free to get in touch.
Now you can see why we chose jackfruit as our best friend. This giant fruit can be used in so many ways, and it is worth a try. Have a good look around our online shop to see what we offer. Jack and the whole team wish you bon appétit!
Enjoy your meal!
Quick facts about jackfruit
How heavy is a jackfruit?
A jackfruit weighs about 10 kg on average. The biggest ones can weigh up to 30 kg.
Does jackfruit smell bad?
No. The smelly fruit is the durian, which only looks similar.
What does young jackfruit taste like?
Young jackfruit tastes neutral, so it takes on the flavour of your spices and sauce.
Are jackfruit seeds edible?
Yes. You can roast them, dry them or grind them into flour. They taste a bit like Brazil nuts.