Jackfruit is a tropical fruit distinguished by its huge size, spiky green shell, and sweet, fragrant pulp. It is native to India and is commonly referred to as the "king of fruits." Ripe jackfruit is yellowish in colour and has a flavour that mixes pineapple, mango, and banana, making it a versatile ingredient in a variety of cuisines.
In the heat of summer, jackfruit is especially useful as a refreshing and hydrating fruit. Its high water content helps to keep the body cool and hydrated in hot weather, making it a favourite ingredient in summer fruit salads, smoothies, and sweets.
1. Jackfruit Jam:
Jackfruit jam has a sweet flavour with a rather moderate sour taste. The jackfruit jam has a smooth and spreadable texture, which is similar to the other fruit jams . When trying to prepare jackfruit jam, first, the pulp of ripe jackfruit is pureed, then boiled with sugar, and lemon juice, and cooked until it reaches the desired consistency. The mixture then becomes a fruit jam. Cool it down and store it in sterilised jars for later use.
Video Credit: YouTube/ BellaLyn
2. Jackfruit Payasam:
Jackfruit Payasam is a delicious South Indian delicacy recognised for its distinct flavour and creamy texture. The ripe jackfruit adds a sweet and aromatic flavour to the meal, with notes of tropical fruitiness. Jackfruit Payasam's texture is velvety smooth, because of coconut milk, jaggery (or sugar), and cooked rice or vermicelli that are a part of the recipe. Ripe jackfruit is pureed and cooked with coconut milk (or cow milk), jaggery, and cardamom, then topped with roasted almonds and raisins to make a rich and decadent dessert.
3. Jackfruit Ice cream:
Jackfruit Ice Cream has a very smooth and velvety texture. The unique taste of the fruit itself makes the ice cream more flavourful and refreshing. For the preparation of jackfruit ice cream, blend ripe jackfruit pulp with milk or whole milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla essence until smooth. Blend all the ingredients in an ice cream maker until smooth and freeze until served.
4. Jackfruit Fritters:
Jackfruit fritters are a delicious snack that has a distinct flavour and texture. The ripe jackfruit gives the fritters a sweet and aromatic flavour, which is enhanced by a hint of spiciness from other seasonings such as cinnamon. The texture is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the jackfruit puree is added with the batter of rice flour, sugar, aromatic spices, and water before being deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
5. Jackfruit dosa:
Jackfruit dosa is a unique and flavourful crepe. The taste of jackfruit dosa is mildly sweet with a hint of tanginess, thanks to the ripe jackfruit used in the batter. The texture is soft and slightly chewy, similar to a traditional dosa but with a subtle fruitiness.
To prepare jackfruit dosa, the ripe jackfruit pulp is mixed with rice, lentils, and coconut to get a smooth batter. The mixture is then allowed to mature, to be spread thinly on a hot frying pan, and to be cooked until the edges become crispy.
6. Jackfruit Pancakes:
Jackfruit pancakes are a delicious combination of sweet and tropical flavours. Ripe jackfruit has a naturally sweet flavour with notes of pineapple and mango, and its soft and fibrous texture provides a distinct chewiness to the pancakes. To make the pancakes, mash the ripe jackfruit and mix it with flour, eggs (or flaxseed eggs for a vegan option), milk, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. Cook the pancakes on a griddle until golden brown, then serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit.