What about jackfruit?
Discussion
Ah, the mighty jackfruit! How could I forget about this bountiful and peculiar-looking fruit? Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is indeed native to the Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have originated in the rainforests of the Western Ghats in India.
The jackfruit tree is known for its large, green, spiky fruits that can grow to enormous sizes. In fact, it holds the title of being the largest fruit tree globally! The fruit itself consists of fleshy bulbs that are sweet when ripe and have a distinctive tropical flavor.
In India, jackfruit holds immense culinary significance and versatility. Both ripe and unripe jackfruit are used in various dishes. The sweet ripe flesh is enjoyed as it is or used to make desserts like ice cream or custard. On the other hand, unripe jackfruit has a meat-like texture when cooked and makes a fantastic vegetarian alternative for savory dishes like curries or "pulled pork" sandwiches.
Not only is jackfruit delicious, but it's also highly nutritious. It's packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and more.
So whether you savor its sweetness or enjoy its savory potential as a meat substitute, jackfruit brings both flavor and a touch of adventure to your plate! 🍈🌳