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Exploring the Versatility of Jackfruit in Vegan Cuisine

Published on
28 November 2023
VFA Blog
Alex
When it comes to vegan cuisine, jackfruit stands out as an incredibly versatile ingredient. Its unique texture and flavor can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. In this blog post, we'll explore the various ways jackfruit can be used in vegan cooking and how it can be used to create delicious and satisfying meals that are bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Jackfruit is a large, tropical fruit that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It has a mild, sweet flavor, which makes it a great substitute for meats in vegan dishes. The flesh of the fruit can be used in a variety of ways, including as a meat substitute for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. The flesh can also be shredded and cooked in curries, stir-fries, and other savory dishes. It can also be used as a base for vegan burgers and meatballs, giving them a unique and satisfying texture.

Jackfruit is also popular in desserts and other sweet recipes. The fruit can be blended into vegan ice cream and smoothies for a sweet and creamy treat. It can also be used in cakes and pies as a filling or topping, adding more flavor and texture to the dish. It can even be used in vegan versions of traditional dishes, such as apple crumble or bread pudding, to give them a delicious tropical twist.

In addition to its culinary uses, jackfruit is also highly nutritious. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of energy and is an excellent source of plant-based protein. This makes it an ideal ingredient for vegan dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.

Jackfruit is becoming increasingly popular in vegan cuisine, and it's easy to see why. This versatile fruit can be used to make all kinds of delicious and nutritious vegan dishes. From savory tacos and curries to sweet smoothies and pies, jackfruit is a great option for vegan cooking that will leave your taste buds delighted.


How to Process Jackfruit into "Meat"


Here's a simple tutorial on how to prepare jackfruit to use in a variety of dishes from tacos to stir-fries.

1. Begin by gathering all the materials you will need to process the jackfruit, including a sharp knife, cutting board, bowl, food processor, and a large spoon.

2. Cut the jackfruit in half and remove the hard center core.

3. Peel and discard the tough, outer skin of the jackfruit.

4. Using a sharp knife, cut the jackfruit into small pieces.

5. Place the pieces in a bowl and set aside.

6. Take the pieces and put them in the food processor. Pulse the jackfruit in the food processor until it is finely chopped.

7. Transfer the chopped jackfruit to a bowl and set aside.

8. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.

9. Add the chopped jackfruit to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until it´s tender to the fork, stirring frequently.

10. Add desired seasonings to the jackfruit and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

11. Remove the jackfruit from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.

12. Transfer the jackfruit to the food processor and pulse for a few seconds until it reaches a ground-like consistency.

13. Serve the "meat" as desired. Enjoy!


jackfruit vegan chicken

Delicious Vegan Jackfruit "Chicken"

Ingredients:
2 cans of jackfruit
2 tablespoons of vegan butter
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup of vegetable broth

Instructions:
Drain and rinse the jackfruit, then cut into small pieces.
Heat the vegan butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the jackfruit pieces and spices and stir to combine.
Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Add the vegetable broth, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often.
Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!


Fun Fact, Brazil has a Jackfruit Map!


JACKFRUITMAPBRAZILThe jackfruit was introduced to Brazil in the 18th century. The jackfruit tree can reach heights of over 20 meters and diameters of over 1 meter. The fruit can weigh up to 15 kg and is widely used in Brazil; it is even part of Brazilian sayings, such as "enfiar o pé na jaca" (stick your foot in the jackfruit), which is similar to "mess up" or "hit the bottle". It is also commonly used as a meat substitute due to its nutritional content and texture.

In 2013, a Brazilian internet user created a collaborative map of jackfruit locations in public spaces to make accessing jackfruit easier. It features many jackfruit locations in Brazil, as well as contributions from users all over the world. 

>>CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MAP
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