You’ve been on the plant-based journey for many meals now, and that’s amazing! Whether you’re reducing the total amount of meat you’re consuming or adopting a fully plant-based diet, choosing to #EatPlantsForAChange is a continuous journey we’re taking right alongside you. We’ve created a plethora of resources to help you add many different plants to your diet, but today we want to focus on one delicious meat substitute in particular...

It’s time to chat all about the massive jackfruit.

So what is jackfruit anyways? At first glance, the green, almost spiky jackfruit common in Asian cuisines can be quite intimidating. This tropical delicacy—from the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family—is grown on trees like many other fruits, but has a tough, outer capsule. (They can be bigger than your face!) Inside, a white, latex-like core surrounds the yellow bulbs of tender fruit.

Hailed as amazingly nutritious, the fruit is loaded with iron, potassium, and calcium. Grown at low elevations in countries like India, southern China, the Philippines, Kenya, Jamaica, and Uganda, jackfruit is the biggest fruit in the world—reaching weights up to 100 pounds! In comparison, an orange weighs about 0.4 pounds and an apple weighs 0.3 pounds.

Jackfruit can be purchased as a whole fruit or in a can or package ready to cook! Want to know how to cut and prepare jackfruit? Watch here.

Interestingly, while it’s historically known in some areas of the world as a “poor man’s food,” research has shown that it’s not only highly nutritious, but its production is quite sustainable. The exterior pod that contains the bulbs of fruit is resistant to pests, high temperatures, and droughts!

Is jackfruit the food of the future? Maybe, but we’ll leave that for you to decide!

You may have already mastered tofu, mushrooms, and other delicious plant-based products, but now it’s time to explore the mysterious qualities of one of nature’s strangest fruits! We promise, deliciousness awaits. To get you started, here’s eight mouth-watering recipes that capture it’s culinary versatility! 

1. Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

We know you crave a delicious BBQ meal, and jackfruit is the perfect texture to plant-ify pulled pork! Recipe.

2. Slow Cooker Jackfruit Tacos

Is your mouth watering already? Because this smoky chipotle, slow-cooked taco feast is waiting for you. Recipe.

3. Jackfruit Crab Cakes

The United States' taste for crab cakes likely traces back to traditional Native American meals. Fortunately, a quick substitution of jackfruit makes this dish accessible to all plant-based eaters out there! Recipe.

4. Kentucky Fried Jackfruit

Looking for a taste of the South? Check out this delicious meal with some vegan honey mustard. Recipe.

5. Nashville Hot Jackfruit

Wait, jackfruit can be used to make chicken? Seems so! Watch Mark from Sauce Stache go from fruit to chicken in just 11 minutes. Recipe.

6. Jackfruit Quinoa Bowls

For those who prefer something lighter, a jackfruit bowl with sauteed greens and mouth-watering mushrooms is a go-to.  Recipe.

7. Jackfruit Curry

With only a few extra spices and some rice, you can enjoy this beautiful vegan curry. Recipe.

8. Jackfruit Coconut Macaroons

Turns out jackfruit can be a treat for those with a sweet tooth, too! Recipe.

Have another jackfruit favorite? Share it with us @CompassionUSA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with #EatPlantsForAChange!

And don’t forget to sign up for more plant-based resources just like this one.