Hi Mike! When it comes to buying jackfruit, fresh can be wonderful if you have access to it and the time to prepare it. However, whole fresh jackfruit is quite large, sticky, and labor-intensive to cut and clean, which can make it challenging for everyday use. If you enjoy the experience of working with fresh fruit and want the natural sweetness of ripe jackfruit, then fresh is a lovely choice for eating on its own or in fruit-based dishes.

That said, in savory recipes where you’re using young, unripe jackfruit as a meat substitute, many people prefer buying it canned in water or vacuum-sealed in pouches. Look for options that are unsweetened and not packed in syrup or brine. This form is much easier to cook with in dishes like tacos, stews, or curries, and still aligns with a whole foods, plant-based approach if you’re mindful of added ingredients. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

I bought dried jackfruit at Costco in Florida