The jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, capable of growing to impressive sizes. A staple in many tropical and subtropical regions, it has gained global popularity, particularly as a plant-based meat substitute. Its sheer size and complex interior can be intimidating for newcomers, leading many to wonder exactly which parts are meant for consumption and how to prepare them. While the answer to "Can you eat all of the jackfruit?" is no, its culinary potential is vast, extending far beyond the sweet, ripe flesh most people know. By properly processing the fruit, you can reduce food waste and discover new, delicious ingredients.
What Parts of the Jackfruit Are Edible?
Fleshy Bulbs (Arils)
These are the sweet, yellow or orange pods that surround the seeds. When the jackfruit is ripe, these bulbs are soft, fragrant, and have a unique tropical flavor reminiscent of a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. They are delicious when eaten raw or used in desserts like custards, cakes, and ice creams. Canned ripe jackfruit is often packed in syrup and is ready to eat as is. When unripe, the flesh is paler, firmer, and has a neutral flavor that readily absorbs spices and sauces, making it an excellent base for savory dishes. It can be shredded to resemble pulled pork or chicken and used in curries, sandwiches, and tacos.
Seeds
Nestled inside each fleshy bulb is a large, starchy seed. These are highly nutritious, containing protein, fiber, and important minerals. Crucially, jackfruit seeds must be cooked before eating. They can be boiled, roasted, or fried and have a texture and flavor similar to roasted chestnuts or potatoes. In many cuisines, they are used as a snack or added to curries and side dishes. The seeds can also be ground into a gluten-free flour for use in baking.
Stringy Rags (Perianth)
These are the fibrous strands that surround the fleshy bulbs and separate them from each other. When the jackfruit is young and green, these rags are tender enough to be cooked along with the bulbs. They are an essential part of creating the meat-like texture in savory dishes like BBQ "pulled" jackfruit, where they break down into meaty shreds. The rags should be cooked until tender, and they absorb flavor from the surrounding sauces and spices, contributing to the overall texture of the dish.
The Rind
Also known as the peel, this is the thick, spiky outer skin of the jackfruit. The rind is not typically eaten and makes up a significant portion of the fruit's waste. In some traditions, the rind is cut up and pickled or used in animal feed. However, for most home cooks, the rind is discarded. Industrial valorization research explores its use for bioenergy and other non-food products.
The Core and Latex
The central, woody core runs down the center of the fruit and is not edible. In addition, the entire fruit contains a very sticky, white, milky latex. It is crucial to wear gloves and oil any utensils or surfaces when cutting a fresh jackfruit to prevent this resinous substance from sticking to everything. While some research explores uses for the latex in other industries, it is not for human consumption.
A Comparison of Edible Jackfruit Parts
| Feature | Fleshy Bulbs (Arils) | Seeds | Stringy Rags (Perianth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture (Cooked) | Soft, tender, and fleshy | Firm, dense, and starchy | Fibrous and meaty |
| Flavor | Sweet (ripe), neutral (unripe) | Nutty, chestnut-like | Mild, takes on other flavors |
| Best Used For | Desserts, smoothies (ripe); Curries, tacos (unripe) | Snacks, curries, ground flour | Vegan pulled meat substitute, stews |
| Nutritional Value | Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium | Protein, Starch, Minerals | Fiber |
| Preparation | Eaten raw (ripe); Shredded and cooked (unripe) | Always cooked (boiled, roasted, fried) | Cooked until tender |
How to Prepare and Cook Different Jackfruit Parts
- Prepare Your Workspace: The sticky latex is no joke. Before beginning, lay down newspaper, oil your knife, and wear gloves to protect your hands and surfaces.
- Cut the Fruit: Use a large, sharp knife to cut the jackfruit in half, then into quarters. Remove the central, inedible core.
- Extract the Bulbs: With oiled hands, pull out the fleshy bulbs (arils) from the rind. Be mindful of the sticky latex that may be present.
- Process the Seeds: Remove the seeds from the bulbs and wash them. Boil, roast, or fry the seeds for a savory snack or to add to other dishes.
- Shred the Rags (for Savory Dishes): For savory dishes, gather the stringy rags and use your fingers or two forks to shred them. You can also shred the unripe bulbs for extra body.
- Cook According to Ripeness: Use ripe, uncooked bulbs for sweet preparations. Cook unripe, shredded jackfruit with your preferred spices and sauce in a skillet or slow cooker to create a vegan meat substitute.
Maximizing Your Jackfruit Yield
Beyond the primary edible parts, some cultures find uses for nearly every element of the fruit, further minimizing waste. For example, the slimy sheath covering the seed coat can be processed to extract pectin for jams and other applications. The leaves of the jackfruit tree have also been explored for their medicinal properties and as animal feed. In commercial processing, the waste is being investigated for creating biofuels and bioplastics, highlighting the fruit's immense potential for sustainable use. By understanding all the usable components, home cooks can also make a conscious effort to use more of the fruit and reduce food waste.
Conclusion: The Versatile Jackfruit
In conclusion, the edibility of a jackfruit is not all-encompassing, but it is far from limited. You can eat the fleshy bulbs, the starchy seeds (once cooked), and the fibrous rags, each offering a different culinary experience. The inedible components—the spiky rind, central core, and sticky latex—should be discarded. Embracing the full potential of the jackfruit means appreciating its versatility, from a sweet dessert ingredient when ripe to a savory meat-alternative when young. Properly preparing the fruit and utilizing its various parts not only expands your culinary repertoire but also contributes to a more sustainable way of cooking. Understanding the nuances of this remarkable tropical fruit allows you to get the most out of every purchase, making for a rewarding and delicious kitchen adventure.
