Is Jackfruit A Healthy Food Option?

0 shares

30 seconds

Jackfruit is a part of the fig family, and native to southwest India. Popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, ripe jackfruit has a flavor profile that has been compared to a combination of apple, mango, banana and pineapple, and can be eaten like any fruit – except cut up into pieces, as a ripe jackfruit can weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Once it is peeled, a ripe jackfruit has a white, creamy inside that contains pits and fibrous fruit. It is often eaten raw or used in desserts.

While young, or unripe, jackfruit has the same flavor profile, its consistency is altogether different, similar to pulled pork or chicken. Because its taste is mild, it pairs well with sauces and spices, and takes on their flavor profile – a major reason why it is a popular vegan alternative for pulled pork.

From a nutritional standpoint, jackfruit is low in calories, rich in dietary fiber and vitamin B6, and offers up vitamin C and potassium as well.

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Does Alcohol Cut Stroke Risk?

Health Focus

• Does Mediterranean Lifestyle Trump The Food?

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• Is Obesity Contagious?

sponsor

Start Eating Anti-Inflammatory And Save 30%! A healthy lifestyle and following Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet can help reduce the risk of age-related concerns such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and many forms of cancer, as well as help promote a healthy immune system. Begin your 14-day free trial of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for access to anti-inflammatory shopping guides, eating tips, recipes, interactive tools, videos, and more.