The Ultimate Guide to Picking Tree-Ripened Jackfruit: How to Choose the Sweetest and Most Aromatic Fruit

"Master the art of selecting tree-ripened jackfruits with these tell-tale signs. Our expert guide will ensure you enjoy nature's sweetest and most flavorful jackfruits, picked at their prime."

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Nowadays, it’s not easy to buy tree-ripened jackfruit due to the need for preservation, long-distance transportation, multi-layered intermediaries, and multi-day sales. As a result, a significant portion of jackfruit in the market is harvested prematurely and ripened artificially.

Tips for choosing tree-ripened jackfruit

Tree-ripened jackfruit not only tastes better but also provides peace of mind regarding quality and food safety. Here are some tips for choosing aromatic and sweet tree-ripened jackfruit:


By applying these tips, you can easily find the most delicious jackfruit. (Photo: Fitterfly)

Here are some tips to help you choose the most fragrant and delicious tree-ripened jackfruit.

Assess the aroma

One of the most noticeable signs of tree-ripened jackfruit is its distinctive and strong aroma. Ripe jackfruit usually has a potent fragrance that can be detected from a distance. If the jackfruit emits a strong, natural aroma without any sharp or strange odors, it’s a sign of natural ripening.

If you don’t perceive a distinct aroma even when you’re close to the fruit, it’s likely unripe, forced-ripened, or treated with chemicals.

Examine the rind


Tree-ripened jackfruit typically has a bright yellow rind, with fully bloomed, round, and evenly spaced spines. (Photo: Rest less)

The rind is an essential factor in determining the ripeness of the fruit. Tree-ripened jackfruit usually has a bright yellow rind, not too dark. The spines on the rind are softer and not sharp. When gently pressed, the rind feels resilient, neither too hard nor too soft.

– Thai Jackfruit: The rind of a ripe Thai jackfruit is bright yellow, with small and evenly spaced spines. When gently pressed, it feels soft and resilient.

– Tố Nữ Jackfruit: The rind of a ripe Tố Nữ jackfruit is orange-yellow, with sparse and soft spines. This variety is known for its more potent aroma compared to other types.

Firmness of the fruit

The firmness of the jackfruit is another critical factor. Tree-ripened jackfruit usually has a moderate firmness, neither too hard nor too soft. When gently pressed, you should feel a slight resilience, and the rind should not sink deeply.

Listen to the sound

A simple yet effective tip for choosing tree-ripened jackfruit is to gently knock on the fruit and listen to the sound it makes. If you hear a dull, muffled sound, it indicates that the jackfruit is ripe and ready to eat. On the other hand, if the sound is loud, clear, and crisp, the jackfruit may be unripe or unevenly ripened.

Inspect the stem

Another fairly accurate tip for choosing tree-ripened jackfruit is to look at the stem. Ripe jackfruit usually has a fresh, green stem that is not wilted or dry. A fresh stem indicates that the jackfruit was harvested at the right time and is still in good condition.

Observe the shape and size


Tree-ripened jackfruit typically has a moderate size, a round and symmetrical shape, and no abnormal dents or bumps. (Photo: Health shots)

Tree-ripened jackfruit usually has a moderate size, neither too big nor too small. The shape is round and symmetrical, with no deformities or unusual dents. Fruits with many bumps and dents often have fewer segments, more fiber, and a less appealing flavor.

Avoid bruised or discolored fruit

Jackfruit with bruises or discoloration may not be of good quality, as it could indicate damage during transportation or pest infestation. Such fruits may be rotten on the inside.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

A ripe jackfruit will have a strong, sweet aroma and its color will change from green to yellow or brown. The spikes on the fruit will also soften and you’ll be able to gently press into the fruit with your thumb.

The best way to ensure you’re getting a sweet and aromatic jackfruit is to pick it when it’s tree-ripened. Look for fruit that has started to change color and has a slight give when pressed. It should also feel heavy for its size.

Unripe jackfruit is not toxic, but it is not particularly tasty either. It will be very firm and not have the sweet flavor or aroma of a ripe jackfruit. However, unripe jackfruit is often used in savory dishes and can be a good meat substitute due to its texture.

A ripe jackfruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Cut the fruit into pieces and remove the seeds before storing in an airtight container. You can also freeze jackfruit for up to 6 months.

Cutting a jackfruit can be a messy business due to its sticky latex sap. It’s best to wear gloves and use a sharp knife to cut through the tough skin. Once cut, you can remove the seeds and either eat the fruit as is or blend it into a smoothie or ice cream.
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