3 Ways To Eat Jackfruit - WikiHow

Home » How To Eat A Jackfruit » 3 Ways To Eat Jackfruit - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Eat Jackfruit PDF download Download Article 33 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Reviewed by Ashley Crawford

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Finding Jackfruits
    • |
  • Preparing Jackfruit
    • |
  • Including Jackfruit in Dishes
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Ashley Crawford. Chef Ashley Crawford is a Private Chef and the Founder of A Taste of Chef Ash. Chef Ashley started in the culinary industry when she was 14. She specializes in Creole and Cajun cuisine but has experience in all culinary topics. She has been featured in ESPN and Sports Illustrated for her culinary work with athletes. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 111,161 times.

Jackfruit is a large, prickly fruit that grows in tropical and subtropical climates, primarily in India and Bangladesh. The bulbous fruits grow directly from the trunks of trees, and are the largest tree fruit in the world, as they can reach up to 100 pounds individually. Jackfruit are nutritionally rich and include high amounts of potassium, vitamin B, and protein.[1] The seeds of the fruit are commonly eaten, and the fruit can also be used as a common vegan pork substitute in a number of dishes.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Finding Jackfruits

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Search for jackfruit in local grocery stores. 1 Search for jackfruit in local grocery stores. Before you can prepare and eat a jackfruit, you’ll need to find a store that sells it. Jackfruit is uncommon in most American supermarkets; you probably won’t be able to find it at your local Safeway, Kroger, or Publix. Start by looking in the produce section of stores that sell organic, healthy foods. You may also be able to find canned or dried jackfruit in the “International” section of a local supermarket.
    • For example, Whole Foods (and similar supermarkets) may sell jackfruit.
    • Continue your search for jackfruit in local farmers markets.
  2. Step 2 Look in Asian grocery stores. 2 Look in Asian grocery stores. These businesses often sell Asian ingredients that cannot be found in other supermarkets, and will very likely sell jackfruit. If there are multiple Asian grocery stores or markets in your area, look for one that specializes in Chinese and Southeastern Asian cuisines, as these will be most likely to stock jackfruit.[2]
    • To find an Asian grocery in your area, search online or ask around at local grocery stores and Asian restaurants.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Order jackfruit online. 3 Order jackfruit online. Although this should not be your first means of obtaining jackfruit—especially if you’re looking to purchase fresh jackfruit—online retailers may sell jackfruit in various forms. Online stores that specialize in selling food, such as YPFarms and JirosGarden, may deliver better products than other retail giants. Before purchasing jackfruit, read the website to determine the retailer’s return policy, in case the fruit arrives spoiled or damaged.
    • For example, Amazon sells jackfruit in their “Grocery and Gourmet” section in various forms: dried, canned, or as a whole, fresh fruit. Their fresh Jackfruits are delivered with 2-day shipping.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Preparing Jackfruit

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cut into a raw jackfruit. 1 Cut into a raw jackfruit. If you’d like to prepare a raw jackfruit for yourself—whether for the experience or for the fruit—you’ll need to go about it in a specific way. Take a sharp chef’s knife and cut the jackfruit in half.
    • You’ll see a large, white central stem: cut this into small pieces and remove it.
  2. Step 2 Turn the jackfruit inside out. 2 Turn the jackfruit inside out. To do this, you’ll need to have a firm grasp on the outside of the jackfruit half. Clearly visible segments of fruit will stand out (it’ll look a little like pulled pork); grab a segment and pull it out from the jackfruit body. Tear this fruit segment open, and extract the seed.
    • Repeat this process until you’ve extracted all of the seeds from both halves of the jackfruit.
    • Jackfruit produces a very sticky sap that will cling to your hands, clothes, knife, and cutting board, and make the process of cutting the fruit difficult. To avoid this, slather your hands and knife in vegetable oil, which will diffuse the sticky sap.
  3. Step 3 Boil or roast the jackfruit. 3 Boil or roast the jackfruit. Jackfruit are flavorful and taste approximately like a mixture between a banana and a pineapple, with mango-like hints of flavor as well. The edible part of jackfruit is actually the fleshy pod that protects the seed. Both fleshy pods and seeds are edible. In some parts of Asia, the seed is a delicacy although it has no flavor on its own. It has a consistency of a boiled potato or boiled taro after boiling for 10–15 minutes (until soft), and then eat them directly. For a firmer texture, roast your seeds in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes.[3]
    • Jackfruit are difficult to peel properly; the exterior is prickly and thick, and once you cut through it, you’ll find that the interior is gummy, sticky, and difficult to cut apart (as described above). When people refer to jackfruit as a fruit, they mean the deliciously fragrant fleshy pod that protects the seed. But when they refer to jackfruit as vegetable, they mean the young jackfruit that commonly sold in tins or cans that has a consistency of pulled pork, and used as vegan meat substitute.
    • For this reason, it’s easier to purchase already prepared and canned jackfruit from a grocery store or an Asian market, rather than cutting through an entire fruit on your own. In Southeast Asian cultures, jackfruit as vegetable is commonly cooked in curry or stir fries. They cook the entire fruit after cutting the prickly outer skin.
  4. Step 4 Pre-cook by boiling young jackfruit for 30 mnts up to 40 mnts. 4 Pre-cook by boiling young jackfruit for 30 mnts up to 40 mnts. Once they are soft enough, they can be sautéed or cooked as vegan meat substitute.
  5. Step 5 Roast the jackfruit seeds in a cast-iron pan. 5 Roast the jackfruit seeds in a cast-iron pan. In Southeast Asian cultures, jackfruit seeds are often cooked on a charcoal grill and eaten while still hot. This gives the fruit a delicious smoky flavor. If you’d like to approximate this method of cooking but don’t have your own charcoal grill, you can roast the seeds in a cast-iron pan. The heat from the pan will cook the seeds consistently through.[4]
    • Bake the jackfruit seeds at 400°F (204°C). Use your oven light to check the seeds every 5 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the jackfruit seeds break open and the fleshy fruit “pops” out from the inside.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Including Jackfruit in Dishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use jackfruit to make a spicy salad. 1 Use jackfruit to make a spicy salad. If you’re looking to mix jackfruit in with other healthy greens, you can include canned jackfruit in a spicy salad with red chilies, scallions, and other spices. Purchase a can of green jackfruit in water, and cook the contents on “low” in a crockpot for 4–5 hours to soften the flesh.
    • Once the jackfruit is cooked, you can break it apart easily using a fork or a spoon.
  2. Step 2 Sautée the vegetables for the spicy salad. 2 Sautée the vegetables for the spicy salad. Use vegetable oil or butter to sauté 3–4 red chilies, 5–6 cloves of garlic, and the white tops of your scallions, and sautée for about 5 minutes. Add the jackfruit and 1/8 cup (30 mL) of fish sauce, and sautée for 2 more minutes.[5]
    • Dice two shallots and cook these in a pan of vegetable oil for 2–3 minutes. Strain the shallots, let them cool, and then toss the fried shallots with the prepared jackfruit mixture. Add ¼ cup (59 mL) of fresh mint and ¼ cup (59 mL) of fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
  3. Step 3 Treat the jackfruit like pork and eat it in a sandwich. 3 Treat the jackfruit like pork and eat it in a sandwich. Jackfruit is a common vegan pork substitute, as its texture when cooked and “pulled” is similar to the texture of pulled pork. To make a jackfruit “pork” sandwich, purchase 3 20-ounce cans of jackfruit; remove the jackfruit seeds and cut the fruit pieces into bite-size chunks. Sautée ½ of an onion and 3 cloves of garlic together, and then add the jackfruit, along with 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoons (7.4 mL) of liquid smoke.
    • Avoid purchasing jackfruit canned in syrup, as the taste will be too sweet and overwhelm the other flavors in the sandwich.
  4. Step 4 Add spices to the sautéing mixture. 4 Add spices to the sautéing mixture. Continue to sautée the jackfruit, onion, and garlic mixture as you stir in several spices, including cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Add 1 cup of vegetable broth and simmer the mixture for 10–15 minutes, until the jackfruit has absorbed all of the liquid.
    • Set the oven to 400°F (204°C), and spread the jackfruit “pork” mixture on a baking tray. Press the jackfruit with a spatula until it takes the consistency of pulled pork. Add ½ cup (118 mL) of BBQ sauce, and cook for 30–35 minutes.
    • Once the jackfruit is lightly browned, remove the pan from the oven and spoon the jackfruit “pork” mixture onto a roll or bun. Serve once it has cooled.
  5. Step 5 Prepare jackfruit as a fish substitute in a “tuna salad” sandwich. 5 Prepare jackfruit as a fish substitute in a “tuna salad” sandwich. Purchase a can of jackfruit packed in water, and use a fork to pull the flesh of the fruit apart. After pouring out the jackfruit water, sautée the jackfruit in butter or vegetable oil.
    • As the jackfruit cooks, add to the pan ½ cup (118 mL) of onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
  6. Step 6 Add beans and other ingredients to the jackfruit. 6 Add beans and other ingredients to the jackfruit. While the jackfruit mixture is cooking, in a bowl mash 1 cup of cooked great white northern beans and then add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) of dried tarragon.[6]
    • Once it’s finished sautéing, add the jackfruit mixture, and mix everything together. Spoon the jackfruit “tuna” salad atop a bread of your choice, and add a handful of shredded cheese and a couple slices of tomato.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can jackfruit be eaten raw? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. It is a bit of a mess but worth the effort. Don't be discouraged by the smell, the fruit itself tastes very creamy. The fruit (in pods) is encapsulated by tendrils which are peeled away and discarded. I have not tried eating the seeds themselves. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14
  • Question Are the tendrils in a jackfruit edible? Jacquelyn Helmuth Jacquelyn Helmuth Community Answer Yes, they can be eaten. It's just that they are bland. Some people braise them to make vegan meat dishes. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 11
  • Question To make a smoothie, do I cook the fruit? Abdul Malik Abdul Malik Community Answer No. Just blend raw fruit with liquids and other ingredients. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Cut JackfruitHow toCut Jackfruit Durian vs JackfruitWhat’s the Difference Between Durian & Jackfruit? Grow JackfruitHow toGrow Jackfruit Prepare JicamaHow toPrepare Jicama Cook JellyfishHow toCook Jellyfish Eat a JicamaHow toEat a Jicama Eat TamarindHow toEat Tamarind How toCook Tempeh Eat Prickly Pear CactusHow toEat Prickly Pear Cactus Cook Pig FeetHow toCook Pig Feet Cook Sinigang Na BaboyHow toCook Sinigang Na Baboy Prepare TofuHow toPrepare Tofu Eat DurianHow toEat Durian Cook with JujubesHow toCook with Jujubes Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/05/01/308708000/heres-the-scoop-on-jackfruit-a-ginormous-fruit-to-feed-the-world
  2. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/08/seriously-asian-jackfruit-exotic-fruits.html
  3. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/08/seriously-asian-jackfruit-exotic-fruits.html
  4. ↑ http://www.tastypalettes.com/2007/06/roasted-jackfruit-seeds.html
  5. ↑ http://olivesfordinner.com/2012/05/spicy-jackfruit-salad.html
  6. ↑ http://keepinitkind.com/jackfruit-tuna-melt-sandwich/

About This Article

Ashley Crawford Reviewed by: Ashley Crawford Private Chef This article was reviewed by Ashley Crawford. Chef Ashley Crawford is a Private Chef and the Founder of A Taste of Chef Ash. Chef Ashley started in the culinary industry when she was 14. She specializes in Creole and Cajun cuisine but has experience in all culinary topics. She has been featured in ESPN and Sports Illustrated for her culinary work with athletes. This article has been viewed 111,161 times. 33 votes - 89% Co-authors: 9 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 111,161 Categories: Fruits and Vegetables Article SummaryX

To eat a jackfruit raw, start by cutting it in half and cutting off the white stem. Then, remove the segments of fruit with your hands or a knife, and eat the fleshy parts surrounding the seeds. You can also eat the seeds by boiling them for 10 to 15 minutes, which will give them the texture of boiled potatoes. If you prefer a firmer texture, roast the jackfruit seeds in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. For tips on how to include jackfruit in your favorite dishes, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Portuguese Spanish Italian French Russian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 111,161 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Carolyn Hartfield

    Carolyn Hartfield

    Apr 2, 2020

    "I prepared the 'pulled pork' BBQ recipe. It was delicious. I plan to try the 'tuna' and..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ashley Crawford Reviewed by: Ashley Crawford Private Chef Co-authors: 9 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 111,161 89% of voters found this recipe helpful. 33 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote Carolyn Hartfield

Carolyn Hartfield

Apr 2, 2020

"I prepared the 'pulled pork' BBQ recipe. It was delicious. I plan to try the 'tuna' and..." more Rated this article: Cami

Cami

Jul 24, 2018

"I have been meaning to try this, but had no idea how to prepare it. As a vegetarian for nearly 40 years, I'm..." more Steve And linda

Steve And linda

Apr 28, 2018

"We have never tried jackfruit before. We saw it in a local market and decided to try it. This article explained..." more Trudie Mulder

Trudie Mulder

Sep 30, 2017

"Bit messy to prepare, however tastes great as a fruit my first time. Never knew this can be cooked in stews and..." more Don Waterbury

Don Waterbury

Feb 15, 2018

"I haven't prepared or eaten it yet. I was looking for ways to do so. Now I have some ideas to work on." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Food Am I QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake QuizGuess the Food QuizGuess the Food QuizTake QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Squishmallow Am I QuizWhat Squishmallow Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Cut JackfruitHow toCut JackfruitDurian vs JackfruitWhat’s the Difference Between Durian & Jackfruit?Grow JackfruitHow toGrow JackfruitPrepare JicamaHow toPrepare Jicama

Featured Articles

What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?

Quizzes & Games

What Veggie Am I QuizWhat Veggie Am I QuizTake QuizGuess Which State I'm From QuizGuess Which State I'm From QuizTake QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizTake QuizRandom Recipe GeneratorRandom Recipe GeneratorGenerateWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizTake QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Fruits and Vegetables
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --920

Tag » How To Eat A Jackfruit