Cleaning and Cutting Fresh Jackfruit

Be prepared, as fresh jackfruit can be messy to clean due to its sticky substance called latex, but cutting and cleaning fresh Jackfruit is worth it.

Cutting a large fresh jackfruit is challenging due to its size, rugged outer skin, and sticky latex, but you can do it! Fresh Jackfruit has a blandly mild flavor and texture and takes on the taste of spices and sauces used in the dish.

Think of fresh jackfruit as not having a prominent taste because it's waiting for you to add its flavor profile. A significant portion of the jackfruit is non-edible and discarded during the cleaning and preparation. The edible parts are highly nutritious and delicious, but cutting and cleaning fresh Jackfruit is worth the effort.

Tools Needed:

Large and small sharp knives

Cutting board

Cooking oil (or gloves to handle the stickiness)

Plastic wrap or newspaper (to protect your cutting surface)

Bowl for the fruit pods

Bowl for the seeds

Cutting and Cleaning Fresh Jackfruit

The sticky stuff in fresh jackfruit is latex, a natural defense mechanism of the fresh Jackfruit. While handling and eating is safe, it can be messy and is best managed with proper preparation techniques. The best way to cut jackfruit is to oil your hands and knife to prevent sticking, then cut it in half lengthwise, remove the core and seeds, and separate the edible bulbs.

Proper preparation of fresh jackfruit involves removing the latex and seeds from the fresh Jackfruit before using the edible flesh. Choose a ripe jackfruit that is large, firm, and slightly fragrant. The outermost part of the jackfruit is the tough, bumpy skin or rind. It starts off green and turns yellowish as the fruit ripens. The skin should be greenish-yellow and not too soft.

Coat your hands, knife, and cutting surface with vegetable oil to prevent the sticky latex from sticking. Place the fresh jackfruit on its side and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the stem from each half.

Cut each half into smaller sections. Remove the core (the tougher part in the center) from each section. Remove the seeds from the flesh, roast or boil, and eat as a snack, add to soups, or use in other dishes.

You'll see the edible flesh once the core and seeds are removed. Separate the flesh from the fibrous parts and the skin.

Jackfruit latex is produced by specialized cells called laticifers that are present throughout the tree, including in the fruit, bark, and leaves. Throughout the process of cleaning fresh Jackfruit, you will encounter stickiness. Use vegetable oil on your hands, knife, and cutting surface to prevent it from sticking.

Fresh jackfruit latex appears as a milky white or pale yellow fluid when the fruit is cut or damaged. It has a sticky, viscous texture similar to glue or sap.

The presence of latex affects the taste and texture of the fruit. Unripe fresh jackfruit, which contains more latex, tends to be firmer and less sweet. As the fruit ripens, the latex content decreases, making the flesh softer and sweeter.

Using fresh Jackfruit

Fresh jackfruit is used in both savory and sweet dishes. It can be used as a meat substitute in curries, stews, tacos, and sandwiches. When cooked, its texture is often compared to pulled pork. Ripe jackfruit can also be used in desserts like puddings, ice creams, and smoothies.

Unused fresh jackfruit is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. If using canned jackfruit, drain and rinse it before use.

You can effectively clean and prepare fresh jackfruit flesh and seeds for cooking or eating raw. It's a versatile fruit with a blandly mild flavor and texture.

Fresh Jackfruit Vegetable Stew

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
2 cups fresh diced jackfruit
2 handfuls kale
2 cups cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 scallions thinly sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup fresh okra pods, chopped
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 hot pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions
Add all ingredients to a large lidded pot. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to simmer for 15 minutes. Serve warm with fresh bread.

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