Young jackfruit is a versatile food ingredient that is often processed into various delicious dishes such as gulai , lodeh, and gudeg. However, the process of processing young jackfruit can be a challenge because of its hard texture and the possibility of a bitter taste if not cooked properly. Therefore, it is important to know the right technique so that young jackfruit becomes soft and free from bitterness.
Mistakes in the boiling process can make young jackfruit remain tough and even produce a disturbing bitter taste. Many people do not realize that choosing the right jackfruit and how to boil it greatly affects the final result of the dish. With the right steps, you can get young jackfruit that is soft and delicious without a bitter taste.
Wondering how to boil young jackfruit properly? Check out the easy steps below!
Choose Quality Young Jackfruit
The first step to note is choosing a quality young jackfruit. Good jackfruit usually has fresh green skin and a slightly soft texture when pressed. Avoid choosing jackfruit that is too hard or has turned yellow, because it indicates that the jackfruit is ripe and less suitable for spicy dishes.
Also pay attention to the size of the jackfruit seeds; jackfruit with small seeds tends to have a softer texture and better flavor.
Clean the Jackfruit from its Sap
Jackfruit sap is often an obstacle when processing it. This sap can make jackfruit taste bitter and stick to the knife and hands. Before cutting, grease the knife with cooking oil so that the sap does not stick. After cutting, soak the jackfruit in water for a few minutes to help remove the remaining sap.
If there are any browned parts, it is better to discard them because they contain more sap. Some people even boil the jackfruit twice to make sure all the sap is gone. The first boil in boiling water for 30 minutes, then discard the water before the second boil to soften the jackfruit and absorb the spices.
Soak in Salt Water
To reduce the bitter taste, soak the young jackfruit in salt water before boiling. Dissolve one to two tablespoons of salt in water, then soak the jackfruit pieces for 10-15 minutes. This also helps to soften the texture of the jackfruit, making the boiling process faster.
After soaking, rinse the jackfruit with clean water to remove any remaining salt. Now, the jackfruit is ready to be boiled to make it more tender.
Boil with Banana Leaves
Adding a few banana leaves to the boiling water is a simple trick to make the jackfruit softer. Banana leaves contain natural enzymes that speed up the softening of the jackfruit fibers and give it a distinctive, delicious aroma.
Boil young jackfruit with banana leaves for 30-40 minutes, depending on the type of jackfruit used. Once tender, the jackfruit is ready to be used in various dishes.
Add Coconut Milk or Brown Sugar
Adding coconut milk or brown sugar when boiling young jackfruit can enhance the flavor. Coconut milk makes the texture softer and creamier, while brown sugar provides a rich natural sweetness.
In traditional dishes such as gudeg, jackfruit is cooked for a long time with palm sugar to produce a rich sweet taste and a softer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to boil young jackfruit until it is soft? Generally, it takes about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the pieces and the type of jackfruit.
2. Is it okay to boil young jackfruit directly without soaking it? Yes, but it is better to soak it in salt water for 10-15 minutes to reduce the bitter taste.
3. Why can young jackfruit taste bitter? The bitter taste usually comes from the sap left behind. Cleaning the sap and boiling it with salt water or banana leaves can help.
4. Is coconut milk mandatory when boiling young jackfruit? It is not mandatory, but coconut milk provides a savory taste and soft texture, especially in dishes such as curry.