Young jackfruit, also known as “mít non” in Vietnamese, is the immature or green stage of the jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit. It is commonly used as a vegetable in various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The young jackfruit has a unique texture and taste. When young, the flesh of the fruit is firm and pale, and it becomes softer and develops a yellowish color as it ripens. The taste of young jackfruit is relatively neutral, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the spices and seasonings it is cooked with.
The young jackfruit is a popular meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans because of its fibrous texture, which resembles pulled pork or shredded chicken when cooked. It is often used in savory dishes such as curries, stews, stir-fries, and salads. The young jackfruit absorbs flavors well and can be seasoned with various spices and sauces to create delicious and flavorful dishes.
Nutritionally, the unripe jackfruit is low in calories and fat while being a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients. It is also rich in antioxidants and contains some minerals like potassium.
It’s worth noting that unripe jackfruit should not be confused with the ripe, sweet jackfruit, which is a different stage of the fruit. Ripe jackfruit has a sweet taste and is eaten as a fruit, while unripe jackfruit is used as a vegetable in cooking.
The young jackfruit (Mít non) is a versatile fruit that can be used in various dishes, both savory and sweet. Here are some popular dishes made with jackfruit:
- Jackfruit Curry: Jackfruit curry is a common dish in many Southeast Asian cuisines. The unripe jackfruit is cooked in a flavorful curry sauce made with spices, coconut milk, and other ingredients. It has a meaty texture and absorbs the flavors of the curry, making it a delicious and satisfying vegetarian or vegan option.
- Jackfruit Pulled “Pork”: Unripe jackfruit is often used as a plant-based alternative to pulled pork. The fibrous texture of the jackfruit makes it resemble pulled meat when cooked and shredded. It can be marinated in barbecue sauce or other seasonings, then cooked and served in sandwiches, tacos, or wraps.
- Jackfruit Salad: Jackfruit can be used in refreshing salads. The unripe jackfruit is typically boiled or steamed until tender and then mixed with vegetables, herbs, and a dressing. It adds a unique texture and mild flavor to the salad.
- Jackfruit Ice Cream: Ripe jackfruit is used to make sweet treats like ice cream. The fruit is blended with a base of cream or coconut milk, sweetened, and frozen to create a creamy and flavorful ice cream.
- Jackfruit Desserts: Jackfruit can be incorporated into various desserts, including cakes, puddings, and pastries. Ripe jackfruit is often used to add a tropical, sweet flavor to these treats.
- Jackfruit Seeds: The seeds of the jackfruit can also be used in cooking. They can be boiled, roasted, or sautéed and used as a snack or added to curries, soups, or stir-fries.
These are just a few examples of the many dishes that can be made using jackfruit. The fruit’s versatility and unique texture make it a popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan cooking, as well as a delightful addition to a variety of culinary creations.