Jackfruit, an exotic fruit with a distinct spiky appearance and an unusual musty aroma, is considered the largest tree fruit in the world. Jackfruit is sometimes challenging to find, so if you are fond of this versatile fruit, it will become handy to learn how to freeze it.
Everything about this fruit is attractive, its huge shape, its spikes, its flavor, and the variety of dishes you can prepare with it.
It is the largest fruit. You can find jackfruits weighing from 5 to 40 pounds (2 to 20 kilos). Therefore one jackfruit can feed a whole family.
Jackfruit has recently changed vegetarian cuisine, gaining space in European and American markets.
It can be used as a meat replacement (it has a similar texture as beef or pork) in sandwiches, ice creams, desserts, rice pudding, and juice.
The taste of fresh jackfruit will depend on how mature it is. Still, most people say it’s a mixture between mango, banana, and pineapple.
Jackfruit seeds are also edible; they can be cooked or ground to make flour.
The great thing about jackfruit is its ability to change its flavor depending on how it’s cooked and the seasonings used.
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About jackfruit
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the national fruit of Bangladesh and is also native to parts of Southeast Asia.
Its origins are unclear. Some say it comes from Malaysia, others from India, but nowadays, it is cultivated in most tropical areas worldwide.
Jackfruit has a strange and scary appearance. It’s a non-seasonal green spiky fruit that turns into a brownish color as it matures.
The pulp has a pale yellow color that turns orange as it ripens and can be easily frayed.
You can eat the unripe jackfruit and also freeze it. The pods and seeds are also edible, either fresh or cooked.
Peeling a jackfruit is not easy; you will need a large knife since its thick rind sometimes makes it challenging.
In addition, jackfruits produce a substance that sticks everywhere and is a little hard to remove.
This excellent fruit is used in many Chinese and other Asian savory dishes.
Interested in Asian Fruits? Read our post.
Jackfruit health benefits
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique flavor, sweet taste, and impressive nutritional profile.
One cup of jackfruit contains nearly 3 grams of fiber, which is vital for digestive health.
Jackfruit is also a good source of vitamins A and C, essential for maintaining healthy skin and immune function.
Additionally, jackfruit contains several other minerals, including potassium and magnesium.
What’s more, it is a low-calorie food, making it an excellent option for people looking to lose weight.
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that jackfruit may even have the potential to fight cancer.
With so many potential health benefits, it’s no wonder this delicious fruit is gaining popularity worldwide.
Here you can find more nutritional information on jackfruit.
Can you freeze jackfruit?
Unfortunately, jackfruit can be challenging to find, but you can buy it canned in many Asian markets.
The good news is that you can freeze it, either the canned jackfruit or fresh.
Jackfruit will stand fresh for about a week in the fridge, but it will last for a long time if you freeze it.
Read our post How to Tell if Jackfruit is Ripe.
How to freeze jackfruit
You can freeze a whole jackfruit just by placing it in the freezer, with no prior preparation needed.
But, if you consider its size, it will probably be better to cut and freeze it in parts.
By freezing smaller pieces, you will only thaw the amount you consume.
To freeze jackfruit, you can remove the rind and freeze only the pods or freeze it with the rind.
Whichever you decide, cover a tray with some parchment paper and place the fruit leaving a little space between pieces.
Place the tray in the freezer for at least two hours, and once hard, you can place it in a plastic bag or airtight container and stick them in the freezer.
You can also choose to wrap portions with cling wrap before you place them into plastic bags or containers.
In that way, you can remove it as needed since refreezing is not recommended.
You can follow the same procedure if you want to freeze cooked jackfruit.
Remember to label your containers and include the date.
Read our post How To Freeze Cantaloupe.
How to thaw jackfruit
To thaw your jackfruit, you must place the freezer bag or plastic container in the fridge and let it defrost for a few hours.
You will notice that the texture of your frozen jackfruit will vary slightly.
What do you need to Freeze jackfruit?
To freeze leftover jackfruit for future use, you only need, in addition to the fruit:
- Tray
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap, freezer-safe bag, or airtight containers
- Labels and markers.
How to use frozen jackfruit pulp
You can use this fruit in a number of ways. Frozen jackfruit is a great way to enjoy this tropical fruit’s delicious flavor and texture all year round.
To use frozen jackfruit, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
When thawed, the flesh will be soft and easy to shred with a fork.
You can use thawed jackfruit in any recipe for shredded meat, such as tacos, burritos, pulled pork sandwiches with barbecue sauce, or even jackfruit burgers.
As a bonus, jackfruit is a vegan-friendly source of protein and fiber.
Also, frozen jackfruit is a great way to add extra nutrition to your smoothie.
Add a few chunks to your blender, among other ingredients, and blend until smooth.
Jackfruit is a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C, so it’s a great way to boost the nutritional value of your smoothie.
Plus, it adds a delicious tropical flavor that is sure to please.
So whether you’re looking for a new ingredient to spice up your cooking or trying to add more plant-based foods to your diet, frozen jackfruit is a versatile and delicious option.
Read our post How To Eat Longan.
FAQs about how to freeze jackfruit
Frozen jackfruit will last up to 6 months when stored in a freezer-safe container.
The best way to thaw frozen jackfruit is to place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Yes. You can use frozen jackfruit in any recipe as a meat substitute. Thaw the jackfruit in the refrigerator overnight, then shred it with a fork.
Freezing jackfruit is a great way to enjoy large quantities of this delicious tropical fruit all year round. Additionally, frozen jackfruit is a vegan-friendly source of protein and fiber.
Read our post Fruits That Start With J.
