Jackfruit vs Breadfruit US Market: Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever wandered through a grocery store or farmers’ market and spotted unusual tropical fruits like breadfruit or jackfruit? They might look similar at first glance, but these two fruits are very different in taste, size, and culinary uses. If you’re curious about jackfruit vs breadfruit in the US market, this guide will give you everything you need to know—from origins and nutrition to recipes and availability.
Origins and History
Breadfruit
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) comes from the Pacific Islands, including Polynesia and the Malay Peninsula. Polynesians carried breadfruit across the ocean in their boats, making it a vital staple in many tropical regions. Breadfruit trees can grow up to 66 feet tall, tolerate sandy and salty soils, and produce as many as 200 fruits per year.
The fruit is usually the size of a large grapefruit, though in places like Tahiti, it can grow as big as a pomelo. Historically, European explorers like Lieutenant Bligh even saw breadfruit as a cheap, high-yield food source for Caribbean plantations.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) originates from South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. It produces the largest fruit that grows on trees, sometimes reaching up to 100 pounds!
Jackfruit trees take a few years to start fruiting, but once they do, they can produce fruits for several months. Like breadfruit, jackfruit trees exude a sticky latex, but while breadfruit grows at the end of branches, jackfruit develops directly from the trunk.
Taste, Texture, and How to Eat Them
Breadfruit
Breadfruit has a starchy, potato-like texture with a mild, earthy flavor. It can be boiled, roasted, baked, or mashed with butter and salt. Polynesians often roast it and fill it with savory ingredients like corned beef. Hawaiians mix breadfruit with taro to make a unique dish called breadfruit poi.
Ripe breadfruit is creamy inside and may taste slightly like bread, which is where it gets its name. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile ingredient for both savory and sweet dishes.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit has a very different taste. Unripe jackfruit is mild and neutral, perfect for curries or stews, and is often used as a vegan meat substitute in the US because of its fibrous texture. Ripe jackfruit becomes sweet and aromatic, with notes of pineapple, mango, and banana. Its seeds can be cooked like beans or roasted like chestnuts.
Nutrition: Breadfruit vs Jackfruit
Here’s how these tropical fruits compare nutritionally:
Breadfruit:
- High in fiber and low in fat
- Complete protein with all essential amino acids
- Rich in vitamin C, iron, manganese, and phosphorus
- Low glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar
Jackfruit:
- Higher in sugar and fat than breadfruit
- Moderate fiber content
- Good source of vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, iron, niacin, and magnesium
- Seeds are also edible and nutritious
Both fruits provide important vitamins and minerals, making them excellent additions to a healthy diet.
Availability in the US Market
Finding tropical fruits in the US can feel like a treasure hunt. Here’s where you’re likely to find them:
Breadfruit:
- Caribbean, African, and Asian grocery stores
- Occasionally at larger stores like Whole Foods
- Ripe breadfruit: brown and soft, sometimes with white patches (normal)
- Unripe breadfruit: bright green and firm
Jackfruit:
- Asian, Indian, and African supermarkets
- Available fresh, frozen, or pre-packaged
- Popular as a plant-based meat alternative in vegan recipes
Breadnut (Bonus Info):
- Close relative of breadfruit (Artocarpus camansi)
- Smaller fruit, with edible seeds
- Less common in the US, but sometimes found in warmer states like Florida
Cooking and Recipe Ideas
Breadfruit Recipes:
- Boiled and mashed like potatoes
- Roasted and filled with savory ingredients
- Baked into desserts or fritters
- Mixed with taro to make breadfruit poi
Jackfruit Recipes:
- Unripe: curries, stews, vegan tacos, sandwiches
- Ripe: eaten fresh or in desserts
- Seeds: cooked in curries or roasted as snacks
Both fruits are versatile and can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from savory mains to sweet treats.
Health Benefits
Breadfruit, jackfruit, and breadnut are all considered superfoods:
- High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Support digestion, heart health, and energy levels
- Breadfruit’s low glycemic index helps control blood sugar
- Jackfruit supports immunity and overall nutrition
These fruits are filling and can replace rice or potatoes in meals, making them a healthy option for anyone looking to add more nutrient-dense foods to their diet.
Conclusion – Jackfruit vs Breadfruit
When comparing jackfruit vs breadfruit in the US market, both fruits have their unique strengths:
- Breadfruit: High in fiber, complete protein, versatile for savory and sweet dishes
- Jackfruit: Larger, aromatic, excellent as a vegan meat substitute
- Breadnut: Less common, but nutritious and delicious as a snack
If you love trying tropical fruits, experimenting with both breadfruit and jackfruit is a fun and tasty way to explore new flavors. While breadfruit might still be rare in the US, jackfruit is rapidly gaining popularity, especially among vegans, vegetarians, and adventurous cooks.
Whether you’re roasting breadfruit for dinner, making jackfruit tacos, or simply enjoying these fruits fresh, they’re a delicious and healthy addition to any diet.
