Tips

How to Identify, Purchase, and Clean Jackfruit Seeds

Mangoes may be the king of fruits, but jackfruit is undoubtedly the versatile queen. This humble fruit, often overlooked, is a treasure trove of delicious possibilities and a favorite among many. With its unique flavor and texture, jackfruit can be transformed into an array of mouthwatering dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. A few simple tips are all you need to select the perfect ripe jackfruit and unlock its full potential in your culinary creations.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Popular Varieties of Jackfruit

Jackfruit comes in many varieties, which can be broadly categorized into four main groups: honey jackfruit, chewy jackfruit, lady jackfruit, and mushy jackfruit.

Honey Jackfruit: Honey jackfruit is typically crisp and has a deep sweetness. The flesh is a bright orange color, and when knocked, it produces a dull sound, indicating that the inside is hollow. The stem feels loose, and when pressed, the skin doesn’t bounce back. Notably, the skin often turns yellow.

Chewy Jackfruit: Chewy jackfruit, as the name suggests, has a chewier texture and a strong fragrance. It’s mildly sweet, and when knocked, it makes a confident thumping sound. The stem is firm, and the skin bounces back when pressed. The skin of chewy jackfruit is usually a deep green color.

Lady Jackfruit: This variety of jackfruit is oval-shaped and elongated, weighing between 1 and 6 kilograms. Most lady jackfruits in the market weigh less than 2 kilograms. The flesh is yellow or deep orange, sweet, and slightly moist, with a hint of durian flavor.

Mushy Jackfruit (Wet Jackfruit): This variety is quite similar to lady jackfruit but larger in size. The flesh doesn’t cling tightly to the stem like lady jackfruit, and it has a milder taste, which is why it’s less popular.

How to Choose a Good Jackfruit

– Shape: Look for a jackfruit that is evenly round without any indentations or constrictions. Fruits with constrictions often have more fiber or are damaged and infested with worms.

– Spines: The spines of the jackfruit should not be too long or sharp. Instead, look for fruits with broader, blunter spines that are spaced further apart.

– Sound: Gently knock on the jackfruit; a solid sound indicates a ripe and healthy fruit without any hollowness.

– Ripe Jackfruit: A ripe jackfruit will have a strong, distinctive fragrance, and the skin will feel soft when pressed.

– Color: If you’re buying pre-peeled jackfruit, make sure the flesh is a bright yellow color, which indicates sweetness.

Peeling Jackfruit Without the Mess

Peeling jackfruit can be a sticky business, with the latex-like sap often adhering to your hands and knife. Here are some tips to make the process less messy:

+ Knife: If your knife gets covered in sap, place it in the refrigerator. The sap will contract, and you can then use a plastic bag to remove the sap and clean the knife.

+ Hands: To avoid getting sap on your hands, consider wearing gloves while peeling. If you find gloves cumbersome, try applying a thin layer of cooking oil on your hands first; the sap won’t stick to the oiled surface. Afterward, wash your hands with warm water to remove any residual oil.

For more information, visit: cooky.vn

Note: Chewy jackfruit and honey jackfruit can be enjoyed fresh, but they’re also delicious when dried, used in sticky rice dishes, fried jackfruit cakes, or blended into jackfruit ice cream.

Frequently asked questions

A ripe jackfruit will have a slight give when pressed gently and will emit a strong, sweet fragrance. The color of the fruit’s skin may vary, but the presence of brown streaks or a yellowish hue can indicate ripeness.

Jackfruit seeds are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels. They also contain protein, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Cleaning jackfruit seeds properly is important to remove any residual flesh and sap, which can be sticky and difficult to remove once dried. Soak the seeds in water for about 30 minutes to loosen any remaining flesh, then use a brush or your fingers to gently scrub and remove any remaining bits. Rinse the seeds thoroughly under running water and they will be ready for cooking or consumption.

The outer covering of jackfruit seeds can be tough and fibrous. One effective method to remove it is by boiling the seeds for about 15-20 minutes. This softens the outer covering, making it easier to peel or cut away. Alternatively, you can use a sharp knife to carefully cut away the outer layer, ensuring you don’t cut too deep into the seed itself.

Jackfruit seeds can be boiled, steamed, roasted, or fried. Boiling is a simple method that involves cooking the seeds in water for 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Steaming is another healthy option that preserves the seeds’ nutrients. Roasting or frying the seeds gives them a crispy texture and enhances their flavor. Before cooking, remember to properly clean and remove the outer covering of the seeds as mentioned previously.