Jackfruit tree wood, which is used to make many of our lacquer items, is truly a magic tree. Not only does it produce the largest fruit in the world, it does so over and over again each season, providing a cheap, plentiful, nutritious food source, medicines, wood for timber, dye for clothes, glue and food source for goats!
Here at Silkwood Traders, jackfruit wood is used in many of our products including the round tealights, bowls, vases, trinket boxes and natural wood wine holders.
The fruit of the jackfruit tree is being hailed as a new superfood that could help overcome food poverty and health issues across the world. Never one to be left behind, we thought we ought to delve deeper in to the wonders of jackfruit as a new super food source .
Fabulous jackfruit foodie facts
- Jackfruit flesh could be the vegan alternative to pulled pork. We haven’t tried it so we’ll have to take the word of those who have! Nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth fed a jackfruit `pulled pork’ burger to her 5-year old and he asked for more not knowing it wasn’t meat! See her recipe at:
https://www.today.com/food/what-jackfruit-how-eat-it-bbq-pulled-pork-recipe-t106938
- The latex from the tree is edible and can be used for gum and apparently the flavour of the ripe fruit is the original basis for Juicyfruit chewing gum!
We found this out on a wonderful blog published by the amazing people at Project Bonafide. The Project is using permaculture techniques and ecological design to increase local food security and health in local communities across the world. Read their blog and find out loads more about the truly amazing jackfruit at:
http://projectbonafide.com/the-jackfruit-manifesto/
- If you’re feeling inspired to try it out, our advice is buy the fruit in a can. According to LA-based chef, Kajsa Alger who runs a mostly vegan and veggie restaurant: “Breaking down a jackfruit can be more labour intensive than butchering a piece of meat.” It’s messy too. The fruit oozes a sticky white substance, and cooking preparation is a time-consuming, multistep process. “Basically, they’re big and uncooperative,” Alger says.
In the UK, you can find it canned in Asian supermarkets and in larger mainstream supermarkets. Lots more information on different ways to buy and use jackfruit can be found on
https://jackfruitday.com/where-to-buy-jackfruit/
- Jackfruit has many health benefits. Dr Axe has highlighted five benefits on his website:
Jackfruit is full of vitamin C, phytonutrients and antioxidants that may help enhance immunity
Jackfruit can help boost magnesium levels which is crucial for bone health and strength
Jackfruit is high in vitamin B6 which studies have shown can play a part in reducing both risk of heart disease and stroke
Jackfruit seeds are high in fibre so a great way to aid digestion
Jackfruit is a source of calcium which is important in reducing osteoporosis
Find out more at:
https://draxe.com/jackfruit/
We hope you’ve enjoyed finding out a bit more about the wonderful jackfruit tree. I’m off to stockpile a dozen cans! I’ll let you know how the pulled pork turned out and also see if we can find some more recipe ideas for this wonder fruit.
Update – June 2018
