Nangka – Jackfruit
Table of Contents
What is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus) grows on trees in tropical regions of the world, particularly in South Asia. It’s actually the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, capable of reaching up to 40 pounds or more!. It belongs to the same family as figs, mulberries, and breadfruit.
What does it look and taste like?
- Appearance: Jackfruit has a thick, green, bumpy outer skin. Inside, the flesh is yellow and stringy.
- Taste:
- Unripe: Has a neutral flavor, making it perfect for absorbing flavors in savory dishes. Its texture is often compared to shredded meat.
- Ripe: Sweet with a flavor resembling a mix of banana, pineapple, and mango.
How is it used?
- Unripe: Used in curries, stews, tacos, and even “pulled pork” style sandwiches.
- Ripe: Eaten fresh, used in desserts, fried as fritters, smoothies, and jams.
- Seeds: Can be roasted or boiled and eaten like nuts.
Is Jackfruit a Durian?
Jackfruit and durian are not the same. They are distinct fruits with different characteristics. While they share some superficial similarities, their taste, smell, and texture are quite different.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Jackfruit | Durian |
| Size | Very large (up to 80 lbs) | Medium (football-sized) |
| Rind | Bumpy, cobblestone-like | Sharp, spiky thorns |
| Smell | Sweet, fruity (banana, pineapple) | Extremely pungent, polarizing (sweet & savory) |
| Taste | Young: Neutral; Ripe: Sweet | Rich, complex (sweet, savory, tangy) |
| Texture | Young: Meaty, fibrous; Ripe: Soft, stringy | Creamy |
How do Indonesian eat Jackfruit?
here’s how Indonesians make the most of this tropical fruit:
1. Young Jackfruit: A Savory Sensation
- Lawar Nangka: This iconic dish from Bali is a must-try. Young, unripe jackfruit is chopped and boiled, then mix with minced meat and fried seasoning.
- Gudeg: This iconic dish from Yogyakarta is a must-try. Young, unripe jackfruit is slow-cooked in coconut milk with palm sugar and spices until tender and flavorful. It’s often served with rice, chicken, and other side dishes.
- Gulai Nangka: This flavorful curry is another popular way to enjoy young jackfruit. It’s cooked in a rich coconut milk-based gravy with a blend of aromatic spices.
- Sayur Nangka: Young jackfruit is also used in simple vegetable dishes, often cooked with other vegetables in a light broth or stir-fry.
2. Ripe Jackfruit
- Fresh: Ripe jackfruit is enjoyed fresh as a sweet and refreshing snack.
- Godoh Nangka: A popular snack in Bali for jackfruit fritter, instead of Banana we use ripe jackfruit to make it.
- Es Teler: This popular Indonesian dessert features shaved ice, coconut milk, avocado, and ripe jackfruit. It’s a perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
- Kolak Nangka: Ripe jackfruit is cooked in palm sugar and coconut milk to create a sweet and comforting dessert. It’s often enjoyed during Ramadan.
- Sweet Condiments: There are a lot of Balinese and Indonesian sweets and cake mix with some ripe jackfruit for flavor (i.e black rice pudding, kue bantal, etc).
3. Other Ways to Enjoy Jackfruit
- Keripik Nangka: Jackfruit chips are a popular snack, made by thinly slicing ripe jackfruit and deep-frying it until crispy.
- Dodol Nangka: This traditional Indonesian candy is made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and ripe jackfruit. It has a chewy texture and a sweet, fruity flavor.