Cutting and Cleaning Fresh Jackfruit: Worth the Sticky Effort
Cutting and Cleaning Fresh Jackfruit: Worth the Sticky Effort
Fresh jackfruit can be tricky to prepare. Its huge size, rugged green skin, and sticky white latex make it messy — but the reward is sweet, versatile fruit. Jackfruit has a mild flavor that easily absorbs spices and sauces, making it ideal for both savory and sweet dishes.
Think of fresh jackfruit as a blank canvas — ready to take on the flavors you add. While a large portion of the fruit is inedible and discarded, the golden bulbs inside are highly nutritious and delicious, making the prep worthwhile.
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| Cleaning and Cutting Fresh Jackfruit |
Tools You’ll Need
- Large and small sharp knives
- Cutting board
- Cooking oil (or gloves to handle latex stickiness)
- Plastic wrap or newspaper to protect your surface
- Bowls for fruit pods and seeds
How to Cut and Clean Jackfruit
Jackfruit’s sticky latex is harmless but very adhesive. Oil your hands, knife, and cutting surface to keep it from sticking. Place the jackfruit on its side, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the core and seeds. Separate the edible yellow bulbs from the fibrous strands and tough rind.
Choose a ripe fruit that’s large, firm, and slightly fragrant. Its green bumpy skin turns yellowish as it ripens. Once halved, cut into manageable sections, remove the fibrous core, and pop out the seeds. Seeds can be boiled or roasted and used in soups or snacks.
The sticky white latex inside jackfruit is a natural defense against pests. It’s safe but very glue-like — oiling your knife and hands keeps the prep mess-free. The fruit’s neutral taste makes it a favorite plant-based meat substitute.
Using Fresh Jackfruit
Fresh jackfruit works in both savory and sweet dishes. Cooked unripe jackfruit shreds like pulled pork for curries, tacos, and stews. Ripe jackfruit adds tropical sweetness to desserts, smoothies, and ice cream.
Store prepared jackfruit in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days or freeze for longer use. If using canned jackfruit, drain and rinse before cooking.
