Jackfruit, or langka in Filipino, is a large fruit that grows on trees in tropical countries.
It's used in two different ways depending on how ripe it is. Ripe jackfruit is sweet and often used in desserts. Unripe jackfruit is firm and mild, so it's usually cooked in savory dishes.
In the Philippines, jackfruit is used in both sweet and savory recipes. You'll often see it in dishes like ginataang langka, halo-halo, and turon.
In this guide, you'll learn what jackfruit is, what it tastes like, and how it's used in cooking.
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What is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a large fruit that grows on trees in tropical climates, including the Philippines. It has a green, spiky skin and can grow very big - sometimes weighing more than 20 pounds.
When you open it, you'll find yellow pods inside. These pods are the part that people eat, and each one has a large seed in the center.
Jackfruit can be eaten ripe or unripe. Ripe jackfruit is sweet and usually eaten as a fruit or added to desserts. Unripe jackfruit is firm and is often cooked in savory dishes.
In Filipino cooking, unripe jackfruit is commonly used in dishes like ginataang langka.
What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?
The taste of jackfruit depends on whether it's ripe or unripe.
Ripe jackfruit is sweet and fragrant. Some people say it tastes like a mix of fruits such as mango, pineapple, or banana.
Unripe jackfruit is firm and pale inside. It isn't sweet and has a mild, slightly starchy taste.
When cooked, the flesh becomes tender and absorbs the flavor of the dish. Because of its texture, unripe jackfruit is sometimes used as a plant-based substitute for meat in some recipes.
How to Buy Jackfruit
When buying jackfruit, the first thing to look at is whether it's ripe or unripe, depending on how you plan to use it.
Jackfruit is sometimes sold whole, but it's also commonly sold cut, canned, or frozen.
If you're buying fresh jackfruit, check whether it's ripe or unripe.
- Ripe jackfruit has a yellowish skin and a strong sweet smell. It may feel slightly soft when pressed.
- Unripe jackfruit is green and very firm. It has little smell and is usually used for cooking savory dishes.
Because jackfruit is very large and sticky to cut, many people buy it pre-cut, canned, or frozen, which is easier to use.
When buying canned or frozen jackfruit, check the label and choose one without added sugar if you plan to use it for cooking.
How to Prepare and Store Jackfruit
If you buy a whole jackfruit, be aware that it can be sticky when cut because it releases a natural latex. Some people lightly oil their knife and hands or wear gloves to make it easier to handle.
Inside the fruit are yellow pods, which are the part you eat. Each pod has a large seed inside. For ripe jackfruit, the pods are usually removed and the seeds taken out before eating.
For unripe jackfruit, the flesh is cut into pieces and cooked. The seeds are often cooked along with the fruit and can also be eaten.
If you have leftover jackfruit, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within a few days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Filipino Recipes with Jackfruit
Jackfruit is used in many Filipino dishes, both sweet and savory. It can be eaten ripe as a fruit or cooked in different recipes.
Here are some popular dishes that use jackfruit:
- Ginataang langka: Unripe jackfruit cooked in coconut milk, often with shrimp paste or fish sauce.
- Turon: A fried snack with saba bananas and ripe jackfruit wrapped in lumpia wrappers.
- Halo-halo: A shaved ice dessert that often includes sweet jackfruit with beans, fruits, and jellies.
- Ginataang bilo-bilo: A warm dessert with rice balls, bananas, sweet potatoes, jackfruit, and coconut milk.
- Jackfruit ice cream: A creamy frozen dessert with ripe jackfruit.
FAQs About Jackfruit
Ripe jackfruit is sweet and often used in desserts. Unripe jackfruit isn't sweet yet. It's firmer and usually cooked in savory dishes.
Yes. Ripe jackfruit can be eaten fresh. The yellow pods are the edible part of the fruit.
Jackfruit contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can be part of a balanced diet. Like most fruits, it's best enjoyed in moderation.
Sometimes. Unripe jackfruit has a firm texture that can resemble shredded meat when cooked, which is why it's sometimes used in plant-based dishes.
More Filipino Food Guide
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Eve says
Jackfruit is my favorite fruit. Fresh is the best but I settle for frozen ones because I’m too lazy and impatient to peel them. Lol
Nora Rey says
totally get that! Peeling jackfruit can be a task, but the flavor is so worth it. Frozen is a great convenient option.😄🍈