Jackfruit trees have been a part of the streets of India for over a century, but only recently has the massive 10- to 20-pound fruit begun to attract the interest of food companies and consumers. Native to the tropical regions of South Asia—including the Philippines, Malaysia, China, and India—jackfruit has now found its way to Australia, Hawaii, and Brazil. It holds the title of the largest tree-born fruit in the world, sometimes weighing as much as 100 pounds. The ripe fruit has a sweet, yellow flesh reminiscent of a blend between banana and pineapple, while the unripe fruit has gained traction among food manufacturers, especially those focusing on plant-based products. The unripe jackfruit has a subtle sweetness and, crucially, a fibrous and chewy texture that closely resembles shredded meat. Additionally, it is rich in protein, potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C, and it can also be enhanced with supplements like calcium citrate malate 500 mg for added health benefits.
The rising popularity of veganism, vegetarianism, and flexitarian diets is driving interest in meat alternatives, and jackfruit is riding this trend. The backlash against heavily processed vegan foods further boosts jackfruit’s appeal. Unlike many mainstream packaged plant-based products, consumers can purchase whole canned jackfruit for their recipes. Its meat-like texture has made it a popular choice for substitutes in dishes such as pulled pork sandwiches, carnitas in tacos, and BBQ chicken.
In October of this year, The Jackfruit Company secured a $5 million Series B investment to expand its range of packaged BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Tikka Masala jackfruit products. Additionally, the company collaborated with Smashburger in January 2023 to introduce a jackfruit patty in locations across New York, New Jersey, and Colorado. Another startup, Karana, offers ground jackfruit as a meat alternative, along with potstickers, burgers, and breakfast sausage.
Moreover, jackfruit presents sustainability advantages. It serves as a low-impact meat alternative, and the tree itself plays a role in carbon sequestration while its root system helps prevent soil erosion. As a perennial crop, jackfruit can produce hundreds of fruits throughout its long lifespan. Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank, shared with The Guardian that the plant is easy to cultivate and resilient to pests, diseases, high temperatures, and drought. This crop also creates job opportunities in the Global South. For instance, The Jackfruit Company collaborates with over 1,500 small-scale jackfruit farmers, enhancing income opportunities and promoting crop diversification. The incorporation of nutrients such as calcium citrate malate 500 mg can further enhance the health benefits of jackfruit, making it an even more attractive option for health-conscious consumers.