How to Cut a Jackfruit (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
If you’ve ever seen a jackfruit in the grocery store, you know it’s a massive tropical fruit with a tough, spiky shell and a sticky sap that can make cutting it a challenge. But don’t worry — learning how to cut a jackfruit isn’t as hard as it looks!
With a few simple tricks and the right tools, you can cut a jackfruit easily, cleanly, and safely — whether it’s raw or ripe. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to cut a whole jackfruit step by step, so you can enjoy its sweet, tropical flavor without the mess.
What You Need Before Cutting a Jackfruit
Before you start, make sure you have these tools ready:
A large, sharp knife (preferably a heavy chef’s knife or cleaver)
Cooking oil (coconut, olive, or grapeseed oil)
Latex gloves or oiled hands
A large cutting board or newspaper-covered surface
Bowls for separating seeds and fruit pods
Paper towels or kitchen towels for wiping sap
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Cutting jackfruit can get messy because of its sticky sap, especially if you’re cutting a raw jackfruit.
Cover your counter or table with plastic wrap or newspaper to make cleanup easier.
Put on gloves, or rub a little oil on your hands to keep the sap from sticking.
Coat your knife with a thin layer of oil — this prevents the sap from gluing to the blade.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t use your best knife — jackfruit sap can be hard to clean and might dull the blade.
Step 2: Cut Off the Ends
Place the jackfruit on your cutting board and carefully slice off about 1–2 inches from each end. This will help you get a stable, flat base to work with.
If the fruit is too large, ask someone to help hold it steady — a whole jackfruit can weigh 20–40 pounds!
Step 3: Slice the Jackfruit into Sections
Depending on your comfort level, you can:
Cut the jackfruit in half lengthwise, or
Slice it into 2-inch thick rounds
If you’re learning how to cut a jackfruit easily, slicing it into rounds first helps you access the fruit pods more quickly.
For a ripe jackfruit, the flesh will be softer and have less sap. For a raw jackfruit, expect more sap and firmer texture.
Step 4: Remove the White Core
Each section of jackfruit has a white, fibrous core running through the center. This part isn’t edible.
Use your knife to cut around the core and remove it. Once the core is out, you’ll see the yellow pods (the edible fruit) surrounding it.
Now comes the fun part — pulling out the yellow jackfruit pods!
Gently pull each yellow pod away from the white stringy parts.
Use your fingers or a small knife if needed.
Throw away the white fibers and skin once you’ve separated the fruit.
Each pod has a seed inside, which you can remove and save if you plan to cook or roast them later.
Step 6: Remove and Save the Seeds
Open each yellow pod and pop out the seed.
Jackfruit seeds are edible when boiled or roasted — they taste a bit like chestnuts and are full of protein.
Put the cleaned fruit pods in one bowl and the seeds in another.
Step 7: Clean Up the Sap
If sap sticks to your knife or hands, simply:
Rub a small amount of cooking oil over the sticky areas.
Wipe it with a towel.
Then wash everything with soap and warm water.
Avoid rinsing sap-covered utensils in water first — it can make them stickier!
How to Cut a Ripe Jackfruit vs. a Raw Jackfruit
Ripe Jackfruit:
Soft, yellow, and sweet. Easier to cut, less sticky, and ready to eat right away.
Raw Jackfruit:
Firm and full of sap. More difficult to cut, but perfect for cooking savory dishes like jackfruit tacos or vegan pulled “pork.”
So, whether you’re learning how to cut a ripe jackfruit for dessert or how to cut a raw jackfruit for cooking, the process is the same — just expect a bit more stickiness with the unripe ones.
Storage Tips
Keep the cleaned fruit pods in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Store the seeds separately if you plan to cook them later.
Quick Tips for Cutting a Jackfruit
✅ Always oil your knife and hands before cutting.
✅ Use newspapers or a large board to contain the mess.
✅ Work slowly — jackfruit is large and sticky.
✅ Don’t throw away the seeds — they’re delicious when cooked!
✅ The riper the jackfruit, the easier it is to cut.
Common Questions About Cutting Jackfruit
What’s the easiest way to cut a jackfruit?
Oil your hands and knife first, then slice it into rounds. This makes separating the pods much simpler.
How do I know when a jackfruit is ripe?
A ripe jackfruit will be yellowish, slightly soft, and have a strong, fruity smell.
Can I eat raw jackfruit?
Yes! Raw jackfruit is often used in savory recipes like curries or vegan pulled pork.
Is jackfruit sticky?
Yes — especially when unripe. Always use oil to handle it.
What can I do with jackfruit seeds?
Boil or roast them — they make a tasty, protein-rich snack.
✨ Conclusion :
Learning how to cut a jackfruit may look intimidating, but once you know the right method, it’s simple and rewarding. Whether you’re cutting a raw jackfruit for cooking or a ripe jackfruit for a tropical treat, these steps will help you cut your jackfruit easily and cleanly every time.
With the right preparation and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying this exotic fruit like a pro!
