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Ingredients in Focus is Food Dive’s bite-sized column highlighting exciting developments in the ingredients sector.
Jackfruit trees have been growing along the streets of India for a century, but only recently have the massive 10- to 20-pound fruits caught the attention of food companies and consumers.
Jackfruit trees are native to the tropical climates of South Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia and China along with India, but are now exported and grown to Australia, Hawaii and Canada. brazil. Jackfruit is the biggest tree fruit In some parts of the world, they can sometimes reach up to 100 pounds.
While ripe fruit is sweet and yellow, like something between a banana and a pineapple, unripe fruit is attracting the attention of food companies, especially plant-based manufacturers. Unripe jackfruit has a slight sweetness, but most importantly, it is fibrous and chewy, similar to the texture of mincemeat. that also high Contains protein, potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C.
Vegetarianism, vegetarianism, and flexitarianism continue. become popularThe same goes for meat substitute products. Jackfruit is riding this wave. that backlash Being opposed to ultra-processed vegan foods also helps jackfruit. Unlike many mainstream packaged plant-based products, consumers can purchase whole canned jackfruit for recipes. It is popular as a substitute for its finely chopped meat-like texture. Pulled Pork on a Sandwich, Taco’s Carnitas Then, dip the chicken in barbecue sauce and eat it.
Jackfruit Company In October of this year, it raised a $5 million Series B investment to expand its BBQ, Tex-Mex and Tikka Masala jackfruit packaged offerings. The company too coalition Joining Smashburger in January 2023 to bring the jackfruit patty to New York, New Jersey and Colorado locations. karanaanother Jackfruit packaged food startup, offers minced meat alternatives as well as potstickers, burgers and breakfast sausages.
Jackfruit also offers several sustainability benefits. Not only are they a low-impact alternative to meat, but the trees themselves sequester carbon and their root systems can prevent soil erosion. Jackfruit is a perennial crop that can produce hundreds of fruits over several decades. Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, said: guardian The plants are easy to grow and resistant to pests, diseases, high temperatures and drought. The crop can also provide work opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere. For example, The Jackfruit Company works with: 1,500 small-scale jackfruit farmersProvides more income opportunities and diversifies cropping systems.