Breadfruit and jackfruit are two of the most popular fruits in tropical regions around the world. They have similar names and appearance, which often leads to confusion between the two.
However, breadfruit and jackfruit are two distinct fruits with different nutritional value, taste, and culinary uses. In this article, we will explore the differences between breadfruit and jackfruit and highlight their unique characteristics. By the end of this post, you will be able to distinguish between these two fruits and choose the one that suits your taste and culinary preferences.
Table of Contents
- What is Breadfruit?
- What is Jackfruit?
- Breadfruit Vs Jackfruit: Appearance and Taste
- Appearance:
- Taste:
- Breadfruit Vs Jackfruit: Nutritional Comparison
- Breadfruit Vs Jackfruit: Culinary Uses
- Summary
- FAQs
- Is there another name for breadfruit?
- Is breadnut and jackfruit the same thing?
- Is durian the same as breadfruit?
- Why jackfruit is called poor man’s fruit?
- Why is breadfruit so expensive?
- What country eats breadfruit?
- Is breadfruit found in India?
What is Breadfruit?
Breadfruit is a tropical fruit that originated in the South Pacific and is commonly grown in the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the same family as figs and mulberries, the Moraceae family.
The fruit is typically the size of a grapefruit and has a rough, green exterior that turns yellow or brown when it is ripe. It is called “breadfruit” because of its starchy, bread-like texture when it is cooked.
Breadfruit is a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is high in carbohydrates and provides a significant amount of energy. It is low in fat and cholesterol, making it an excellent food for people who want to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their risk of heart disease.
Breadfruit has been a staple food in many tropical regions for centuries. It is typically boiled, roasted, or baked and served as a side dish or used in soups and stews. In Polynesian culture, breadfruit is traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an “umu” and is considered a sacred food.
In addition to its culinary uses, breadfruit is also used for traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and skin diseases.
What is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit that is indigenous to South and Southeast Asia. It is the largest fruit that grows on trees, weighing up to 80 pounds and reaching a length of 3 feet. The fruit has a prickly green exterior that turns yellow or brown when it is ripe, and is coated in a sticky, latex-like substance.
Inside the jackfruit, the flesh is made up of hundreds of small, fleshy bulbs called “arils”. These arils have a fibrous texture and a sweet, fruity flavor. The fruit also contains edible seeds that are often roasted or boiled and eaten as a snack.
Jackfruit is a nutritious food source, high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in calories and fat, which makes it a healthy food choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their risk of heart disease.
In recent years, jackfruit has gained popularity as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian diets. When cooked and shredded, the fibrous texture of the jackfruit resembles pulled pork or chicken and can be used in a variety of savory dishes like tacos, burgers, and stir-fries.
Jackfruit has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses, including asthma, diarrhea, and skin diseases. The fruit contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. your own words and break it down into the same paragraphs.
Breadfruit Vs Jackfruit: Appearance and Taste
| Breadfruit | Jackfruit | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Rough, green exterior; round or oval shape; firm, starchy flesh when cooked; grows up to grapefruit size | Spiky, green exterior; oblong or oval shape; flesh made up of small arils surrounded by a stringy membrane; can grow up to 80 pounds |
| Taste | Starchy, mild flavor with slight sweetness; firm and slightly chewy texture when cooked | Sweet, fruity flavor with mild tropical taste; fibrous texture similar to pulled meat when cooked; seeds have a nutty, earthy flavor when roasted |
Breadfruit and jackfruit are two fruits that can be easily confused due to their similar size and shape. However, there are noticeable differences in their appearance and taste.
Appearance:
Breadfruit has a rough, green exterior that turns yellow or brown when it is ripe. It is round or oval in shape and can grow to be the size of a grapefruit or larger. The skin of breadfruit is covered in small bumps, and it has a firm, starchy flesh when it is cooked.
Jackfruit, on the other hand, has a spiky, green exterior that also turns yellow or brown when it is ripe. It is oblong or oval in shape and can grow to be much larger than breadfruit, with some varieties weighing up to 80 pounds. The flesh of jackfruit is made up of hundreds of small bulbs called arils, which are surrounded by a stringy membrane.
Taste:
Breadfruit has a starchy, bread-like flavor when it is cooked, which is often compared to potatoes or yams in terms of taste. It is relatively mild in flavor, and the texture of cooked breadfruit is firm and slightly chewy, with a slight sweetness.
On the other hand, jackfruit has a sweet, fruity flavor with a mild tropical taste. The arils have a fibrous texture that is similar to pulled meat when it is cooked, making it a popular meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Additionally, the seeds of jackfruit can be roasted and eaten as a snack, and have a nutty, earthy flavor.
In summary, breadfruit has a starchy, mild flavor and a firm, chewy texture when it is cooked. Jackfruit, on the other hand, has a sweet, fruity flavor with a fibrous texture similar to pulled meat.
Breadfruit Vs Jackfruit: Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | Breadfruit (100g) | Jackfruit (100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 103 | 94 |
| Carbohydrates | 27.1g | 23.5g |
| Fiber | 4.9g | 1.5g |
| Protein | 1.1g | 1.7g |
| Fat | 0.2g | 0.3g |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 13.8mg |
| Potassium | 490mg | 448mg |
| Calcium | 17mg | 24mg |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 0.6mg |
As we can see from the table, both breadfruit and jackfruit are low in fat and protein, and are good sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Breadfruit is higher in calories, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium compared to jackfruit. However, jackfruit is higher in iron and calcium compared to breadfruit. Overall, both fruits are nutritious and can be incorporated into a healthy diet.
Breadfruit Vs Jackfruit: Culinary Uses
| Breadfruit | Jackfruit | |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet, Ripe Fruit | Can be mashed and used to make bread, cakes, and other baked goods. | Can be eaten fresh as a snack or used in desserts like cakes and pies. |
| Unripe Fruit | Boiled or roasted as a substitute for potatoes or yams in savory dishes. | Used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes, as its fibrous texture is similar to pulled meat. Can be roasted, grilled, or sautéed and used as a meat substitute in tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and other dishes. |
| Snack | Fried and served as a snack, or made into chips and served with dips. | Seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack. |
| Savory Dishes | Can be used in soups, stews, curries, and other savory dishes. | Used as a meat substitute in curries and stews. |
Breadfruit and jackfruit are versatile fruits that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. Here are some common culinary uses for breadfruit and jackfruit:
Culinary uses for Breadfruit:
- Boiled or roasted breadfruit can be used as a substitute for potatoes or yams in savory dishes.
- Breadfruit can be mashed and used to make bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
- It can be fried and used as a snack, or made into chips and served with dips.
- Breadfruit can also be used in soups, stews, curries, and other savory dishes.
Culinary uses for Jackfruit:
- The sweet, ripe fruit of jackfruit can be eaten fresh as a snack or used in desserts like cakes and pies.
- Young, unripe jackfruit can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes, as its fibrous texture is similar to pulled meat.
- Jackfruit can be roasted, grilled, or sautéed and used as a meat substitute in tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and other dishes.
- The seeds of jackfruit can be roasted and eaten as a snack, or boiled and used in curries and stews.
Both breadfruit and jackfruit are versatile fruits that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. Breadfruit is often used in savory dishes, while jackfruit is used in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Summary
Breadfruit and jackfruit are tropical fruits that share similarities but have notable differences. Breadfruit is starchy and green, while jackfruit is fibrous and yellow. Breadfruit is higher in calories, fiber, and vitamin C, while jackfruit is higher in calcium and iron. They also have different culinary uses.
In terms of culinary uses, breadfruit is often used in savory dishes, while jackfruit is used in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Both breadfruit and jackfruit are versatile and nutritious fruits that can be incorporated into a healthy diet.
FAQs
Is there another name for breadfruit?
Yes, breadfruit is also known as Artocarpus altilis, which is its scientific name. In some countries, it is also called ulu, sukun, or rimas.
Is breadnut and jackfruit the same thing?
No, breadnut and jackfruit are not the same thing. Breadnut, also known as Artocarpus camansi, is a different species of tree in the Artocarpus genus that produces a smaller fruit with a nut-like seed.
Is durian the same as breadfruit?
No, durian is not the same as breadfruit. Durian is a spiky, large, and smelly tropical fruit with a creamy flesh that is popular in Southeast Asia.
Why jackfruit is called poor man’s fruit?
Jackfruit is sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s fruit” because it is a low-cost and readily available source of nutrition in many tropical countries, and can be used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Why is breadfruit so expensive?
Breadfruit can be expensive in some areas because it is a perishable fruit that does not keep well after harvest. It also requires specific growing conditions, including tropical temperatures and high rainfall, which can make it more difficult and costly to cultivate.
What country eats breadfruit?
Breadfruit is a staple food in many tropical countries, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and West Africa.
Is breadfruit found in India?
Breadfruit is not native to India, but it has been introduced in some parts of the country and can be found in select regions.
