Understanding Nutrition: What is the 2nd largest fruit in the world? Exploring jackfruit and other giants

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The jackfruit holds the record as the world's largest tree-borne fruit, with some varieties weighing over 100 pounds. However, when exploring what is the 2nd largest fruit in the world?, the answer becomes less straightforward, depending on if you are considering tree-grown fruits or fruits that grow on the ground.

Quick Summary

This article delves into the fascinating world of giant fruits, clarifying the position of the jackfruit and discussing contenders for the second-largest title. It examines the impressive nutritional profile and culinary versatility of jackfruit and compares it to other colossal fruits, offering insight for a balanced and adventurous diet.

Key Points

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world: It can grow to weigh over 100 pounds and is a nutritional powerhouse.
The '2nd largest' title is complex: There is no consensus, and it depends on whether you consider tree-borne or ground-grown fruits like giant pumpkins or large watermelons.
Jackfruit offers significant protein: Unlike most fruits, jackfruit provides a notable amount of protein, making it an excellent component of plant-based diets.
Jackfruit is a versatile food: Unripe jackfruit is used in savory dishes as a meat substitute, while ripe jackfruit is enjoyed for its sweet, tropical flavor in desserts.
It is packed with vitamins and antioxidants: Jackfruit is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potent antioxidants that protect against cellular damage and inflammation.
Cooking is recommended for jackfruit seeds: The seeds are edible and nutritious when cooked but contain antinutrients when raw, so they should be boiled or roasted.
Jackfruit supports digestive and heart health: Its high fiber content aids digestion, while its potassium and antioxidants contribute to better blood pressure and heart function.

Demystifying the Largest Fruits

For many, the mention of large fruits might bring to mind the watermelon, but the title of the world's largest tree-borne fruit unequivocally belongs to the jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). This behemoth can grow to lengths of up to three feet and weigh over 100 pounds, growing directly from the trunk and branches of its tree. Its impressive size makes it a major food source in many tropical regions.

When we ask, 'what is the 2nd largest fruit in the world?', the answer becomes more complex. Many people consider the giant pumpkin a contender due to its colossal size, with record-holders weighing over 2,000 pounds. However, the pumpkin grows on a vine on the ground, not a tree. Among tree-borne fruits, there isn't a universally recognized "second largest." The closest comparisons would include other large tropical fruits like breadfruit or certain large varieties of watermelon, which, while substantial, don't consistently reach the same dimensions as the largest jackfruits. This article focuses on the nutritional powerhouse of the largest contender, the jackfruit, and provides context on other prominent large fruits.

Jackfruit: The Nutritious King of Tree Fruits

Beyond its size, the jackfruit offers an array of nutritional benefits that make it a compelling addition to a healthy diet. It's rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is notably one of the few fruits with a significant protein content, providing nearly 3 grams per cup. Its versatility means it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, depending on its ripeness.

Nutritional Profile of Jackfruit

High in Fiber: A single cup of jackfruit provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and blood sugar regulation.
Rich in Vitamins: It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes skin health, and B vitamins like B6 and riboflavin, which aid in energy metabolism.
Essential Minerals: Jackfruit contains important minerals like potassium, which regulates blood pressure, and magnesium, which supports bone health.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: The vibrant yellow flesh of jackfruit is a good source of antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids, which fight oxidative stress and inflammation.

Culinary Uses of Jackfruit

Ripe jackfruit, with its sweet, fibrous flesh, can be enjoyed raw or in various dessert applications, from smoothies to ice cream. Its taste is often described as a mix of mango, pineapple, and banana. Unripe, or green, jackfruit has a neutral flavor and a meaty, shredded texture, making it a popular and highly convincing vegan meat substitute for dishes like tacos or pulled 'pork' sandwiches. The seeds are also edible when cooked and are rich in protein and fiber.

Comparison: Jackfruit vs. Other Large Fruits

To better understand the nutritional context of jackfruit, it is helpful to compare it with other large fruits, like the popular watermelon. This comparison highlights their unique contributions to a balanced diet.


Feature	Ripe Jackfruit	Watermelon	Notes
Energy (per cup)	~157 kcal	~45 kcal	Watermelon is much lower in calories due to high water content.
Protein (per cup)	~2.8g	~0.9g	Jackfruit offers significantly more protein than most fruits.
Fiber (per cup)	~2.5g	~0.6g	Jackfruit is a better source of dietary fiber.
Vitamins	High in Vitamin C, B6, Riboflavin	High in Vitamin C, A	Both are excellent sources of key vitamins.
Minerals	High in Potassium, Magnesium	High in Potassium, Magnesium	Both provide important minerals for bodily functions.
Primary Use	Ripe: Desserts, Snacks; Unripe: Savory dishes, meat alternative	Refreshing snack, juice, salads	Jackfruit's use depends heavily on its ripeness.
Flavor Profile	Sweet, tropical, hints of banana/mango/pineapple when ripe	Sweet, hydrating, subtly citrus	Distinctly different flavor experiences.

Incorporating Jackfruit into Your Diet

For those new to jackfruit, the prospect of tackling a whole fruit can be intimidating due to its sticky sap. However, canned and pre-packaged options have made it much more accessible.

For Savory Dishes: Look for canned young green jackfruit in brine or water. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove excess salt before shredding and cooking with your favorite spices and sauces.
For Sweet Treats: Use ripe, fresh jackfruit pods or find canned varieties packed in syrup (though be mindful of the added sugar). Its natural sweetness makes it perfect for blending into smoothies or adding to fruit salads.
Don't Forget the Seeds: The large, starchy seeds can be boiled or roasted and eaten as a snack, similar to chestnuts. They offer a bonus source of protein and fiber.

Potential Health Benefits of Jackfruit

In addition to its strong nutritional makeup, jackfruit is also linked to several health benefits, many of which stem from its antioxidant and fiber content. Research suggests that jackfruit's properties may help with blood sugar management due to its low glycemic index and fiber content. The potassium and fiber can also contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Its vitamin A and C content also supports immune function and promotes healthy skin. However, as with any food, individuals with allergies to birch pollen or latex should exercise caution, as cross-reactivity can occur.

Conclusion: Sizing Up Your Diet

While there is no single agreed-upon answer to what is the 2nd largest fruit in the world?, the conversation provides a great opportunity to explore the nutritional value of nature's giants. The jackfruit, as the undisputed largest tree-borne fruit, is a fantastic example of a versatile and nutrient-dense food that can benefit a wide variety of diets. By incorporating jackfruit—whether ripe and sweet or young and savory—along with other large fruits like watermelon and pumpkin, you can add new flavors and textures to your meals while reaping their unique health benefits. The variety of edible giants in the fruit world proves that when it comes to nutrition, size can definitely matter.

For more in-depth information on the nutritional aspects of jackfruit, you can consult reliable sources such as WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackfruit is the largest fruit in the world that grows on a tree. However, if you include fruits that grow on the ground, such as the giant pumpkin, it is not the overall largest.

Ripe jackfruit has a sweet, fruity flavor often described as a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. It is best enjoyed in desserts, smoothies, or raw.

Unripe, or green, jackfruit has a neutral taste and a fibrous, meaty texture that closely resembles shredded meat when cooked. This makes it an ideal plant-based alternative for dishes like pulled pork or tacos.

Yes, jackfruit seeds are edible and nutritious, but they must be cooked first. You can boil or roast them and enjoy them as a snack or in various dishes.

Preparing a fresh, whole jackfruit can be messy due to its sticky sap, so oiling your knife and hands is recommended. However, canned or pre-packaged jackfruit is widely available and much easier to prepare, requiring only rinsing before use.

While generally safe, individuals with a latex or birch pollen allergy should be cautious, as cross-reactions can occur. Also, those with kidney issues should monitor their intake due to jackfruit's potassium content.

Jackfruit is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. It is also a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and a rare source of protein for a fruit.