What is it? This relative of the mulberry can be as big as a watermelon.
What it tastes like? Pineapple, bananas, fruity gum – ripe jackfruit is sweet and pungent.
When you can find it: Summer and early fall, in farmers markets.
How to store: Refrigerate ripe jackfruit bulbs, or freeze airtight.
Cooking tips: Unripe jackfruit is used as a meat substitute in curries or barbecue sauces because its texture is like shredded meat. Ripe jackfruit is good eaten out of hand, made into smoothies and cooked as marmalade. The large, starchy seeds can be boiled, then roasted – they taste like chestnuts.