Jackfruit (scientific name Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. Although they are close relatives, jackfruit is not the same as breadfruit — another spiky tropical fruit beloved in the Pacific and Caribbean islands with some similar characteristics. Jackfruit is much larger than breadfruit and is higher in natural sugars and fat.

Other names for jackfruit include kathal (in Hindi), Phanasa (in Marathi), kanun (in Thai), nangka (in Indonesian and Malaysian), jaca (in Portuguese), or “tree mutton” in the Caribbean.

The jackfruit tree originated in southwest India, where it grows abundantly. Throughout history, jackfruit spread to other tropical and subtropical areas, including additional regions of India, Southeast Asia, the East Indies, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

It also grows in Africa and is relatively popular in Brazil, Australia, and Suriname. In the US, jackfruit is primarily grown in Florida and Hawaii and can sometimes be found in grocery stores (especially Asian markets) and natural food stores, either fresh, frozen, dried, or canned.

The largest tree-borne fruit in the world, jackfruit can weigh up to 100 pounds and grow up to three feet long. (The average size of the fruit is 10–25 pounds.)

The huge trees produce massive, green, oblong fruits with a bumpy, fleshy exterior. On the inside, jackfruit is filled with many pale yellow plump bulbs, which are edible and joined at the core. The seeds can also be cooked, eaten on their own, or ground into flour.

A ripe, unopened jackfruit has a strong, smelly odor — like a combination of fruit and onions. But the pulp of the opened fruit smells sweet.

What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?

When eaten ripe, the taste of jackfruit is similar to pineapple, mango, and banana. When it’s unripe and green, the jackfruit has more of a neutral vegetable-like flavor, similar to a potato, and works well in savory dishes.

One great thing about green jackfruits is that they don’t have a strong flavor on their own, so they’re able to soak up herbs, spices, and other flavorings. This allows the fruit to be made into plant-based versions of shredded chicken, pulled pork, or other meat-like meals.

Jackfruit can be made into a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. And the seeds are often boiled or roasted and eaten as snacks, with a taste that’s similar to chestnuts.

For more on what to do with jackfruit, including how to cook it, check out our companion article, How to Eat Jackfruit: 7 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes to Try.