One jackfruit tree can produce up to three tons of food from this huge and utterly unique fruit per year, providing an almost miraculous source of nourishment for people living in tropical countries! Jackfruit is also increasingly being used in other parts of the world, particularly in the U.S., as a plant-based meat alternative for vegans as well as vegetarians. Jackfruit is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. Jackfruit grows in Africa and is relatively popular in Brazil and Suriname. This superfruit grows on trees typically grow in tropical and near-tropical conditions, but jackfruits can also be produced in Florida, Hawaii, and Australia. The largest tree-borne fruit in the world, jackfruit can weigh up to 100 pounds and grow up to three feet long. (Though, the average size of the fruit is 10 to 25 pounds.)
The fruit can be eaten fresh or pickled, a popular way to serve the ripe fruit is to remove its seed, and chill the fruit pulp and fill the cavity with ice-cream. The jackfruit tree has a vast number of uses, besides producing fruit. The seeds of the jackfruit can also be eaten and are said to taste like chestnuts. They are a rich source of carbohydrates and are served either roasted or boiled in water. Care must be taken to ensure that the seeds are properly prepared, for they may be poisonous.