Jackfruit, a tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia, is known for its large size, spiky exterior, and unique flavor. When ripe, jackfruit has a sweet taste and a strong aroma, often described as a combination of pineapple, mango, and banana flavors. It can be consumed fresh, with its flesh eaten raw or used in various culinary preparations.Ripe jackfruit pods can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack or incorporated into desserts like ice creams, smoothies, and fruit salads. Additionally, ripe jackfruit is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes due to its fibrous texture, which resembles pulled pork or chicken when cooked. Young, unripe jackfruit is commonly used in savory dishes, particularly in Southeast Asian cuisines, where it is cooked in curries, stews, stir-fries, and even used to make vegan “pulled pork” sandwiches or tacos.