# _Jackfruit__101_ # _Jackfruit__101_ _EVERYTHING__YOU__NEED__TO__KNOW__ABOUT__THIS__VERSATILE__AND__SUSTAINABLE__INGREDIENT_ _EVERYTHING__YOU__NEED__TO__KNOW__ABOUT__THIS__VERSATILE__AND__SUSTAINABLE__INGREDIENT_ Have you heard of jackfruit before? Recently, you may have heard or seen it in passing more frequently—after all, “jackfruit” has seen a 400% increase in Google searches in just the past five years, and The Wall Street Journal touted it as the next [meat alternative](/content/collections/shop/index.html) with “the most potential to go mainstream” in its list of [The Next Hot Trends in Food!](https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-next-hot-trends-in-food-1476670682) However, the details surrounding this exotic fruit are most likely still a mystery to you and most people. If you’re interested in [learning more](/content/pages/about/index.html), this jackfruit guide is for you. Keep reading to get the 101 on jackfruit and become an expert by the end of this article! ## _What__is__Jackfruit?_ ## _What__is__Jackfruit?_ Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world (an individual fruit can reach up to 120 lbs or 55 kg!), and originates in South and Southeast Asia. Not to be confused with the durian, which also has a green and spiky exterior, jackfruit is actually a species in the Moraceae family—the same family as the fig. Crazy, right? As a tropical plant, most of the world’s jackfruit production is in its areas of origin, South and Southeast Asia. Due to its increasing popularity though, jackfruit is not only becoming more widely available to consumers across the world, but also being introduced to farms in other regions like the U.S. and Mexico that have the climate to support it. This is great news for everyone since many have started to look towards jackfruit and its unique, meaty texture as [plant-based food](/content/collections/shop/index.html) and meat alternatives continue to skyrocket. ## _Explore__the__world__of__jackfruit_ ## _Explore__the__world__of__jackfruit_ ##### _Recipes_ ##### _Recipes_ Because jackfruit is so versatile, there are a TON of ways you can cook with it! Now that you’ve almost completed your jackfruit 101, here are some **savory and sweet recipes** to spark your imagination: [Source: Tasting Table](https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/recipes/jackfruit-sticky-toffee-upside-down-cake-fruit-dessert-recipes) [JACKFRUIT UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE [Source: The Little Epicurean](https://www.thelittleepicurean.com/2018/08/tropical-jackfruit-smoothie.html) [TROPICAL JACKFRUIT SMOOTHIE [Source: Minimalist Baker](https://minimalistbaker.com/bbq-jackfruit-sandwiches-with-avocado-slaw/) [BBQ JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES WITH AVOCADO SLAW [Source: Simply Recipes](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/bbq_pulled_jackfruit_tacos/) [BBQ PULLED JACKFRUIT TACOS [Source: Hot For Food](https://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2017/08/09/bbq-jackfruit-pizza-with-creamy-garlic-sauce/) [JACKFRUIT PIZZA WITH ROASTED GARLIC SAUCE [Source: Tasting Table](https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/recipes/jackfruit-sticky-toffee-upside-down-cake-fruit-dessert-recipes) [JACKFRUIT UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE [Source: The Little Epicurean](https://www.thelittleepicurean.com/2018/08/tropical-jackfruit-smoothie.html) [TROPICAL JACKFRUIT SMOOTHIE [Source: Minimalist Baker](https://minimalistbaker.com/bbq-jackfruit-sandwiches-with-avocado-slaw/) [BBQ JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES WITH AVOCADO SLAW [Source: Simply Recipes](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/bbq_pulled_jackfruit_tacos/) [BBQ PULLED JACKFRUIT TACOS Need more inspiration? Check out [our blog](/content/pages/recipes/index.html) and learn our favorite ways to use our jerky! ## _JACKFRUIT_ ## _JACKFRUIT_ _THE__“JACK”__IN__JACK__&__FRIENDS_ _THE__“JACK”__IN__JACK__&__FRIENDS_ After reading through this comprehensive jackfruit guide, you’re probably thinking this is one amazingly versatile, nutritious, and sustainable plant. Well, we couldn’t agree more. As the main ingredient of our plant-based, [jackfruit jerky](/content/collections/shop/index.html), jackfruit plays an important role in [**Jack & Friends**](/content/site-root.html)—so much so that we honored it with the permanent place in our name! We chose jackfruit as the core of our product because its meat-like macrofibril structure helps create our vegan jerky’s chewy and tearable texture that mimics traditional beef jerky. As a nutrient-rich and sustainable ingredient, jackfruit provides added nutritional benefits while keeping the environment a bit greener as well. ##### SHOP ALL FRIENDS & FLAVORS [Shop now [Shop now [Shop now - Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. - Opens in a new window. shop.app # shop.app is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension jackandfriendsjerky.com # jackandfriendsjerky.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension jackandfriendsjerky.com # jackandfriendsjerky.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. 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