Wootens Produce of Kauai, John and Nandi Wooten Jackfruit, is big on flavor and nutrition The Wootens grow on 20-acres. John’s farming methods are based on what he read more than 50 years ago in a magazine called, “Robert Rhodale’s
Wootens Produce of Kauai, John and Nandi Wooten
Jackfruit, is big on flavor and nutrition
The Wootens grow on 20-acres. John’s farming methods are based on what he read more than 50 years ago in a magazine called, “Robert Rhodale’s Organic Gardening & Farming.”
What’s growing
Avocados, jackfruit, soursop, breadfruit, Meyer lemons, cilantro, basil, parsley, Indian curry leaf, spring onions, lettuce, kale, collard greens, carrots, eggplant, beets and fennel.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is believed to be indigenous to the southwestern rain forests of India, and it is the national fruit of Bangladesh. It is a member of the mulberry family, and some fruits reach 80 pounds, making it the largest tree-born fruit. “There’s no way to describe the flavor,” says John. “The closest thing I can say is it’s like honey and bubble gum.”
The World Bank and United Nations warn that rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall have reduced yields of wheat and corn, which could lead to food wars within the decade.
Researchers say since jackfruit is nutrient-dense, it could help provide the solution.
“It is easy to grow. It survives pests and diseases and high temperatures. It is drought-resistant,” says Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank, which works on sustainable agriculture. “It achieves what farmers need in food production when facing a lot of challenges under climate change.”
Season
Jackfruit harvests begin in summer and run through November.
What to look for
Young jackfruits are smaller, and hard. The interior is less sweet and slightly crunchy. Tree ripened jackfruit, the only kind the Wootens sell, are soft and sweet. Government regulations prohibit farmers from cutting jackfruit at the market, making it mandatory to buy them whole.
Storage
Jackfruit are time consuming and messy to clean, but worth it. At around $5 a fruit, you’ll have enough for months. Ripe jackfruit will stay refrigerated for a week, but be forewarned, the smell will permeate the fridge. Pods freeze well for several months, but remove the seeds first.
Tip
“They are very sticky,” says John. “I use vegetable oil to clean my hands afterwards because it won’t come off with soap.” Nandi prefers to oil her hands and knife blade before pulling pods and seeds from the fruit.
Preparation
The pods and seeds of ripe jackfruit are the only edible parts. Within jackfruit are pale, fibrous bands holding bright yellow pods. Remove the pods, then remove the seeds from the pods. The seeds have a nutty flavor and are starchy like a bean. Boil seeds in salted water for up to an hour, until the skin cracks open, and eat or add to salads.
Ripe jackfruit is eaten raw, as a dessert. “They’re a treat by themselves,” says John. The puréed pods are excellent in custards, cakes and ice cream. Dehydrate whole pods or purée and make into fruit leather.
Young jackfruit should be peeled, seeded, cubed and cooked. It has a mild flavor and distinctive poultry-like texture, making it great for vegetable patties. In Sri Lanka, it’s made into complex curries. If too much raw, young jackfruit is eaten, you can get a tummy ache.
Health benefits
One cup of jackfruit has 155 calories, 2 grams of protein and 40 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Jackfruit is a good source of potassium, calcium, iron, fiber vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese.
Wootens Produce of Kauai can be found at:
Grocery: Vim and Vigor, Papaya’s Natural Foods and Cafe, Hoku Foods Natural Market, Harvest Market, Healthy Hut. Farmers Market: Kapaa Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Restaurants: Kintaro, The Garden Cafe, Moloaa Fruit Stand. The Wootens offer custom orders, call 823-6807 for details.
Jackfruit smoothie
The combination of puréed jackfruit and milk make a frothy shake. Rich and sweet, it’s a nourishing after-school snack or light breakfast. I like to use frozen pods, so the shake is cold and thick. Serves 2.
5 ripe jackfruit pods, seeded
2 cups of milk
5 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons honey
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.
• Marta Lane, a food writer on Kauai since 2010, offers farm to fork food tours and is the author of Tasting Kauai: Restaurants – From Food Trucks to Fine Dining, A Guide to Eating Well on the Garden Island. For more information, visit TastingKauai.com.
