I dropped by Native Foods today for lunch and imagine my surprise when I saw a new menu item, The BBQ Jackelope Sandwich! (I was also dismayed to see that it replaced my current favorite, the Bistro Steak Sandwich, but that’s another story). The new Jackelope Sandwich is made from slow cooked jackfruit, smothered with smokehouse BBQ sauce and topped with Asian salad.
What? You’ve never heard of jackfruit? Well, you’re in for a treat. A healthy, all natural, vegan treat!
The jackfruit grows in tropical locales on tall, evergreen trees. Pricky and green in its unripened state, which is when it is perfect to use as a meat substitute (it is yellow and sweet when ripe). It is cultivated in India, Ceylon, southern China, Thailand, and other countries with hot, humid climates.
The jackfruit is not cultivated much in the United States, and though attempts have been made in Florida and Hawaii, it is rare to see a jackfruit tree in this country.
But, how does it taste? The unripened jackfruit has a taste and consistency similar to chicken when it is cooked. It can be shredded or cut into chunks, and can be slow cooked for extra flavor. Because of its cultivation in Asian countries, it is frequently used in curries. The one other time I ate jackfruit was at the Bohdi Tree, a vegan Asian restaurant in Huntington Beach.
The jackfruit is nutrient rich, especially in vitamins C and B complex. It has small amounts of vitamin A, plus potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. It is also high in dietary fiber.
So you don’t have a jackfruit tree in your backyard? No worries. In this country, jackfruit is most frequently available in cans and is sold at Asian and Caribbean markets. Because of it’s moderate popularity, I’m not sure if it is available at supermarkets like Whole Foods. There are a few online sources, including Amazon.com
Recipes? I’m sorry to say that I have never cooked with jackfruit (yet!). I have done my research for you though. Here is a video from Melisser Elliot from Everyday Dish TV with her Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos.
Here are two recipes from Clean Green Simple, Carolina Pulled “Pork” Sandwich, and Jessica’s version of the Jackfruit Carnitas.
Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day!
I have to say that a long time ago I used to love carnitas. I will definitely try one of these recipes!
So, how did I like my BBQ Jackelope sandwich from Native Foods? Well, I liked it a lot. The texture is amazing (unless you’re a vegan who gets freaked out by food that feels too “meaty”). The flavor of the jackfruit was a little overwhelmed by the sauce which was a little too spicy. I say that as someone who would put Sriracha on everything, so if you aren’t into spicy food, this particular sandwich might not be right for you. The Asian slaw (which is on the sandwich itself), helps to cool it down and adds a satisfying crunch. I will order it again.
Have you ever tried jackfruit? What did you think?
So cool! I’ve never heard of jackfruit before. It’s on my list to try now, thanks for the good write-up on it!
I LOVE jackfruit! I get it fresh at my farmer’s maret. It is incredibly sticky though… canned might be the wiser option. 🙂 I made jackfruit tacos with it last year – in a socca shell!
I’m not sure where I can find it around here. I really want to try cooking with it. I might have to order from Amazon.
I remember seeing these guys when I was in Hawaii, but I never tried it. I would never even think to use fruit as a meat replacement–what a cool idea!
From what I read, it’s never really become popular in Hawaii. I don’t ever remember seeing anything there (though I was not vegetarian the last time I was in Hawaii).
I’ve heard of jackfruit but don’t think that I’ve actually ever tried it. I also would never have thought to use it as a meat replacement. Now I’m going to have to go search for some!
That is so interesting & looks/sounds wonderful.
Very cool! I’ll see if I can find it at Whole Foods this weekend.
Let me know if they carry it! Not that I have a Whole Foods close to home (at least not for another year), but it would be good information to have.
I have never heard of jackfruit but now I want to try it! I’ll have to check out Whole Foods the next time I’m there.
Let me know if they carry it! I don’t have one near me, but it’s good info to have. Actually I will have one near me in a little over a year, but hopefully I’ll have a chance to cook with jackfruit before that.
I’ve never heard of Jackfruit, but I have eaten Jackelope while in Arizona. Just kidding :). Sounds great, I’ll have to give it a try. I’m always looking new things to substitute for meat in my meals.
so interesting. i heard of this just the other day but had no idea it could be such a great meat sub!
I dont’ think I have but I’m always into trying new things! 🙂
I have never tried it, but it sounds awesome! I am always looking for ways to sub my beloved meat for fruits and veggies. 🙂
What a neat fruit! I’ve never heard of it before!
Ok, I’m a jackfruit neophyte! Sounds really interesting and perfect for a vegan lifestyle.
It looks like something I saw in Hawaii – 🙂
Isn’t jackfruit fun? I’m always excited when I see it on a menu. The first time I ever had it was at a restaurant called Pure Luck in Los Angeles that’s closed now (although the recipe they used is available online). I also had it in Wisconsin at a Nepalese restaurant. However, my favorite restaurant where I’ve eaten it is FUD in Kansas City. They use it in tacos and burritos and do some amazing things with it.
When I lived in Los Angeles, I’d buy canned jackfruit at India Sweets & Spices, but almost any Indian grocery store should have it. I can even find it in the small town where I live now in the Asian section of my regular grocery store.
If you have Vegan Eats World, Terry Hope also has a jackfruit carnitas recipe that’s pretty terrific.
Hopefully the Bistro Steak Sandwich won’t stay away too long! 🙂