Less Meat, More Jackfruit: The Easy Vegan Meat Substitute
Young jackfruit is an easy way to eat less meat. It has a meat-like texture, takes on any flavour, and is high in fibre, low in calories and 100% gluten-free.
In our last blog post, we looked at climate change. We saw how jackfruit could one day replace crops like cereals. But how can jackfruit help us today? Its superhero mission is clear: to help people eat less meat.
Can you tell plant-based meat from real meat?
Maybe you have liked this idea for a few years. Maybe you are just starting out. Or maybe you just love trying new things. One thing is sure: there is more to life than meat.
Why eat less meat?
One big reason is the climate. Animals raised for meat leave a huge carbon footprint, and that harms our planet.
Jackfruit is the perfect friend for anyone who is going vegetarian or vegan. It also helps people who just want to eat less meat. You can use it in many dishes that you used to make with meat. Thanks to its texture, you will hardly notice the difference.
What makes jackfruit so useful?
The biggest plus of jackfruit is that it is so versatile. Are you new to jackfruit, or out of ideas? Then get inspired by our jackfruit recipes from well-known food bloggers.
Why should you use unripe jackfruit?
Do you want to use this tropical fruit instead of meat in vegetarian or vegan dishes? Then you need the half-ripe kind. That’s exactly what is inside our Mladý Jacky F jackfruit cans.
Ripe jackfruit tastes sweet, like fruit jelly. That would not work well in a goulash or a stir-fry.
Unripe jackfruit is different. Its stringy flesh has almost no taste of its own, so you can marinate and season it any way you like. After all, with meat it is mostly the seasoning that gives the flavour. Once it is cooked, you will be amazed how close it comes. The texture and the crispy crust look almost exactly like chicken.
Is jackfruit healthy?
Jackfruit has less protein than meat, so it can’t replace meat one hundred per cent. But it still earns its superhero title:
It is low in calories.
It is high in fibre.
It is 100% gluten-free, unlike seitan or tempeh.
You can read all about the nutrition of jackfruit in one of our articles.
How is jackfruit better than other meat substitutes?
Many meat substitutes are made from soy. Not everyone likes soy. For many people it is an allergen, and some people worry about genetic changes in soy crops. Ready-made products in shops also often have doubtful ingredients, like artificial flavours and preservatives.
Our jackfruit is different. Our can holds only the fruit and a brine of lime juice, which keeps it fresh in a natural way. Both are of organic quality.
Because it is gluten-free, jackfruit is ideal for people with coeliac disease. It is also great for anyone who wants to be kind to their tummy.
Give it a try!
Next time you cook, try a small swap. See for yourself how jackfruit surprises you. You can even test your family or friends. Don’t tell them, and see if they notice that the meat is now this miracle fruit. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you – and for jackfruit!
Enjoy your meal!
FAQ: Jackfruit as a meat substitute
Is jackfruit a good vegan meat substitute?
Yes. Young jackfruit has a stringy, meat-like texture and takes on the flavour of your spices.
Does jackfruit have as much protein as meat?
No. It has less protein, but it is low in calories and high in fibre.
Is jackfruit gluten-free?
Yes, it is 100% gluten-free. That makes it a good choice for people with coeliac disease.
Which jackfruit should I buy for savoury dishes?
Buy young, unripe jackfruit, like Mladý Jacky F. Ripe jackfruit is too sweet for savoury food.