Latin name - Artocarpus heterophyllus

Jackfruit is the world’s largest tree-borne fruit, and even if you’ve never eaten it, you’ve likely tasted it!  Juicy Fruit gum’s original flavor was inspired by the fruity, tropical taste of ripe Jackfruit.  We find it addicting - think banana, peach, and pineapple flavor combined, contained in a succulent yellow pod whose texture ranges from firm and crunchy, to melt-in-your-mouth soft.  

The fruit may look strange at first, like something from the Jurassic era – covered in pointy scales which round out as the fruit matures.  A single fruit can reach up to 100 lbs in weight (World record is over 94 lbs!) but an average Jackfruit weighs between 10-25 lbs.  When ripe, the scaly skin becomes flexible and can be cut or peeled off, revealing a network of fibers surrounding the delicious edible parts, called arils (flesh surrounding the seed). These can be pulled out and collected in a bowl, and refrigerated.  They’re full of healthy fiber, potassium, vitamin C and other essential minerals.  Jackfruit pods are very filling, great for snacks or adding to a fruit salad.  The large seeds are abundant and also edible. They can be roasted or boiled until soft, and they have a texture somewhere between a chestnut and a chickpea.  We’ve even heard of people making Jackfruit seed hummus – it’s on our list to try!  And what’s more, you may have noticed:  Unripe jackfruit is getting popular, used as a vegan meat alternative.  When processed, marinated, and cooked, it can be strikingly similar to pulled pork!

Jackfruit trees grow quickly and are well adapted to Florida conditions, so long as temperatures don’t reach below freezing for long.  The tree is tall and handsome, and if unpruned will grow to a large christmas tree shape.  The leaves are large, round, and dark green, staying on the tree year round but occasionally shedding some during dry periods or when the tree is actively growing.  Expect a tall tree, up to 30-40 ft or larger, with a canopy spread of about 20 feet.  The fruit matures in the late summer and early fall period, and hangs directly on the trunk or on large branches, making a fruiting Jackfruit tree an otherworldly, dinosaur era sight.  

Pro tip:  When cutting into a Jackfruit, oil your knife first!  We use coconut oil to keep the blade from getting covered in the sticky latex present in the Jackfruit’s skin.