Jack who? For those new to the jackfruit craze, we thought we would share a bit of background on the fruit that has become the jack-of-all trades in the vegan kitchen.
Jackfruit is in the fig and breadfruit family, grows on a tree and is typically found in the tropical areas of Southeast Asia, Brazil and Africa. It has a fibrous consistency similar to pulled pork, making it an excellent option for vegan pulled pork sandwiches. However, jackfruit is way healthier than pulled pork! No saturated fat or cholesterol, low in calories with only 20 per 2.65-ounce serving, 3 grams of fiber and 110 milligrams of potassium per serving. So pile it on your next sandwich and know you are getting a serving of powerful nutrients (we won’t tell if you wear a cape while eating it!)
You can find plain and seasoned jackfruit in refrigerated pouches at the store. Some stores also carry jackfruit canned and in shelf-stable packaging. If you buy plain jackfruit that is packed in water, give it a rinse and let it drain. Then you can blend with any type of spice you like. Add it to chili and stews or sauté it with onions and use as a filling for burritos. Mixing it with barbecue sauce makes a perfect sandwich topping. It is so versatile; it’s hard to go wrong. Think of it as the perfect “fast-food.” Slap it pre-seasoned on a bun and you’ve got dinner!
At Melita’s Table we use jackfruit in our Ancho Spiced Street Tacos plate. Our Jack Asada starts with jackfruit, onion and spices. The mixture is marinated to perfection and then grilled until the smoky and savory goodness is cooked through. We use this same jackfruit in our Jack Asada Burrito and in Melita’s Beautiful Bowl. If you don’t feel like experimenting in your kitchen with jackfruit, try some in one of our fabulous menu items.
Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to try something new? Well, here’s your chance.
Carpé Diem!
