Jackfruit BBQ
Alternative meats are not regular in my diet. I seek them out, not because I “crave” meat but merely because I am intrigued by new and creative products that come on the market. I had been wanting to try this popular BBQ Jackfruit recipe for some time, and finally I got the chance.
The Company
I checked out the company before purchasing this brand from Sprouts. With plant-based products exploding in popularity, there are many brands that don’t necessarily align with sustainability, health, and fair trade principles. The Jackfruit Company was built with the mission of creating positive impact across the supply chain. After reading their story, it convinced me to be a company I am glad to support with my purchase.
Preparation
To test this product, I planned out all the ingredients and flavors I thought would compliment it well, as if it was a pulled pork sandwich. I pickled some red cabbage and carrots to make a kind of vinegar slaw. While I let the Jackfruit crisp up a bit on the stovetop, I dressed my brioche buns with mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and sliced some pickles. Then, added the jackfruit, and topped it up with the cabbage slaw.
Tip: Make sure you follow the cooking instructions on the package. I let mine sit too long with the intention of making it crispy and it ended up drying up a bit.
The Flavor
Having never tasted Jackfruit before, I had no expectation. Unlike many alternative meat products, this one had no bizarre nor chemical aftertaste. I tried the BBQ flavor, and I have to say that the jackfruit acted as a great flavor absorber. The jackfruit itself did not have a strong nor particular flavor, which is probably why it is so popular as a meat-alternative. It provided a straightforward BBQ flavor all around.
I found the BBQ to be too much on the sweet side, but that is just my personal preference as I have more of a savory tooth.
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The Texture
Where this product wins all its points is with the texture. This is probably the most important category for plant-based products. So often, meat-alternative experiences are ruined by the texture; it can be either too mushy, too fibery, or too chewy. BBQ Jackfruit had a very pleasant texture, a lot like the feeling of eating soft shredded chicken.
The worst thing in the world is when you order a veggie burger made of chickpeas or lentils, and it turns out to be this mush that sticks to the top of your gums. The texture of this product will certainly have me coming back for more.
You may also be interested in this plant-based sweet potato mac & “cheese” recipe.
The Veredict
Overall, I highly recommend this product. I have to admit that after trying it, I felt inspired to make my own at home by shredding some fresh jackfruit and making my own smoky-spicy-bbq sauce. However, I often have the ambition of making these recipes from scratch, and it rarely happens. Having a ready made option in the freezer for those lazy days is usually a more convenient option. I will certainly seek to try more jackfruit products and recipes, considering this first experience was a positive one.
If there are other brands you enjoy – let me know in the comments so I can try them out!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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